Redknapp set to face tax lawsuit

(GSM) – Tottenham Hotspur manager Harry Redknapp is set to face legal proceedings next month over a tax issue, according to his solicitors BCL Burton Copeland.

The London-based law firm broke the news in a brief statement on London based club’s official website.

“Harry Redknapp is extremely surprised and disappointed to have been informed that HMRC intend to institute proceedings,” read the announcement.

But the Spurs statement also said that Redknapp has the club’s “full support”.

Redknapp has consistently denied any wrongdoing in the face of official scrutiny into his financial affairs, which first began in November 2007 when he was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to defraud and false accounting.

That episode culminated with High Court judges ruling that officers who raided Redknapp’s Dorset home in connection with the inquiry had acted unlawfully.

Redknapp and his wife were awarded £1,000 damages against the City of London Police, and the tone of the statement from BCL Burton Copeland suggests that the Tottenham boss will once again mount a vigorous defence of his reputation.

“We believe that the decision to commence proceedings will, in due course, be shown to have been totally misconceived,” said the statement, which also revealed that the case would commence in the week beginning 11 January, 2010.

Redknapp, who has masterminded a dramatic transformation in Tottenham’s fortunes since replacing Juande Ramos in October 2008, was given unequivocal backing in a statement by the club.

“The club considers this matter to be a private, tax issue which pre-dates Harry’s employment with the club and which is not related to football matters,” said the statement.

“His position remains unaffected and he has the full support of the club.”