Allardyce: I'm utterly innocent

Sam Allardyce has claimed he is "utterly innocent" of BBC Panorama's accusations he took illegal payments, as the Football Association announced a wide-ranging investigation into the allegations made by the programme.

Allardyce insisted the claims on the programme that he took bungs were "lies" and the Bolton manager said he was determined to clear his name.

Meanwhile, FA chief executive Brian Barwick has announced two overlapping investigations into the allegations. Every agent, manager and club named by the programme for alleged wrongdoing will be investigated.

'Undercover: Football's Dirty Secrets' showed three agents claiming that Allardyce and his son Craig, until recently a football agent, were given illegal payments to facilitate player transfers.

Allardyce said in a statement released through his solicitors: "I am very angry at the lies told about me.

"The individuals who appeared in the programme making accusations against me have already confirmed in writing to my lawyers that they lied to the BBC.

"They lied in the hope of being able to make millions offered by the BBC undercover reporter to buy their sports agency businesses.

"Those individuals never thought their lies would be exposed in the way that they have been and have apologised to me.

"As a result of their greed my good name has been tarnished by deceit and innuendo.

"In addition, as a father of course it is painful to watch your son talk tall and exaggerate his influence for financial gain."