Probe threatens to de-rail Hammers Olympic stadium dream

Last updated : 09 July 2011 By Daily Mail

Dionne Knight, the OPLC 's director of corporate services, was suspended on full pay last week after it emerged she has received payments from West Ham on a consultancy basis during and after the tender to take over the stadium.

She had already been frozen out of discussions on the process because she had declared to the OPLC an ongoing relationship with West Ham director Ian Tompkins.

Hammer blow: West Ham owners David Gold (left) and David Sullivan (right) with vice-chairman Karren Brady at the Olympic Stadium

However, OPLC did not know she was being paid by West Ham, while the club say Knight told them she had cleared her role with her employees.

Now chartered accountants Moore Stephens have been asked to establish whether this was indeed the case and as long as Knight did not have access to confidential information that could have aided West Ham, it seems likely that they will be able to move into the stadium.

However, if any discrepancies are found, it would throw West Ham's takeover into jeopardy with the potential to reopen the contest.

Hammer home: The Olympic Stadium

Tottenham, beaten to the vote by West Ham, are already seeking a judicial review of the entire process.

Although a judge last month said there were no grounds for a review, they are now appealing and are likely to include the allegations against Knight.?Cole in Hammers' Switzerland party despite moving closer to Stoke switchSpurs appeal puts 2017 World Championships bid in doubt, says Sport Minister RobertsonAll the latest Tottenham news, features and opinionAll the latest West Ham United news, features and opinionCLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR FREE FANTASY FOOTBALL GAME

Source: Daily Mail

Source: Daily Mail