Allardyce planning to sue BBC as FA keeps lid on bungs evidence

Bolton manager Sam Allardyce says he's instructed his lawyers to prepare a case against the BBC over allegations made in the controversial

He said: "I have had lengthy discussions today with my lawyers and they have advised me that I have a very strong case in relation to the Panorama programme.

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"I have therefore instructed them to prepare my case against the BBC, whom I am planning to sue over the false and highly damaging allegations which they broadcast.

"Obviously, as everyone will understand, I need to discuss this matter with my chairman, Phil Gartside, as well as my wife, before I take any final decision, since they both have an interest in this.

"Once the decision has been taken, I will make a further announcement. In the meantime, I will continue to concentrate on the job of managing Bolton Wanderers, which I am sure you will appreciate is my first priority."

Meanwhile the Football Association is unlikely to disclose the volume or nature of any evidence of corruption provided by the BBC from Panorama.

The FA and Premier League are conducting both joint and separate investigations into allegations of illegal payments and approaches for players involving prominent managers and agents within the English game.

The BBC will meet with the FA today to discuss handing over evidence collected during the production of the Panorama programme 'Undercover: Football's Dirty Secrets'.

The FA made two formal requests for the BBC to hand over all the evidence before talks were eventually arranged for today.

It is understood Panorama had initially wanted the FA and Premier League to make specific requests for information rather than pass over every piece of evidence to the investigations.

The sharing of evidence has become the main focus of the issue but the FA are not expected to comment on or divulge what information has been provided at least until the next stage of the investigation - a process which could take some length of time.

The FA alone are to investigate the BBC's allegations relating to illegal payments, against Sam Allardyce, his son Craig, Newcastle assistant manager Kevin Bond and agents Charles Collymore and Peter Harrison.

The FA and Premier League will jointly investigate allegations of illegal approaches involving Chelsea, Liverpool, Newcastle and Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp.

Fulham boss Chris Coleman has backed UEFA's stance on illegal payments to managers, insisting anyone found guilty should be handed a life ban.

UEFA are advocating a life ban for anyone found guilty of taking an illegal payment from a transfer and Coleman agrees a harsh penalty is needed.

"The game is being tarred at the moment by the stigma of bungs, which are very difficult to prove," he said.

"We all get paid enough anyway without having to take a bung, so if it can be proved someone has taken one then I agree they should be kicked out forever - and that's that.

"If you're banned for two years then it's a wrap on the knuckles. I feel if you've done it once then you'll do it again, so I totally agree with UEFA."