By Dan Roan BBC Sports News Correspondent

Richards stepped down as Sheffield Wednesday chairman in February 2000

Fulham are taking legal action against Premier League chairman Sir Dave Richards, BBC Sport understands.

The Cottagers accuse Richards of being involved in Peter Crouch's £9m transfer from Portsmouth to Spurs in July 2009.

Fulham were angry they missed out on England striker Crouch despite offering £2m more than Tottenham and lodged a complaint with the Premier League.

The League carried out its own investigation and an independent lawyer found Richards had no case to answer.

However, Fulham have now lodged a High Court petition against Richards, arguing he may have prejudiced their position in relation to the transfer.

BBC Sport understands that Portsmouth decided to accept less money from Spurs because it was an up-front payment, and due to pressure from Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs for unpaid tax, this was a better deal than the £11m in instalments that Fulham were offering.

A Premier League spokesman said: "We cannot make any comment on this matter as it is subject to a legal challenge."

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version