London: David LeCluse, the chairman of a UK football club embroiled in the recent spot-fixing scandal that rocked Pakistan cricket, has allegedly committed suicide, media reports said.
Croydon Athletic chairman LeCluse, 44, was found dead with gun-shot wounds on the body by a family member on Saturday morning in a garage near his home in Surrey, the Times reported on Monday.
He was appointed at Croydon Athletic last November by the Ryman League club's co-owner Mazhar Majeed, who is under investigation for his alleged involvement in a match-fixing syndicate based in Pakistan.
LeCluse, who leaves behind his wife and two children, was said to be devastated when the club became engulfed in the cricketing scandal, particularly as Majeed was a close friend. Tim O'Shea, the club's former manager, told the daily that LeCluse had been badly affected by the scandal.
"He was very upset at the allegations and the club getting involved." "It probably hit him harder than most because of his personal friendship with Majeed. He wanted nothing more than for the club to succeed and he was probably upset and affected by it more than anybody else."
According to the report, Majeed said the "only reason" he bought Croydon Athletic was to launder money through it. Majeed was arrested and released on bail on suspicion of conspiracy to defraud bookmakers after he was caught in a tabloid News Of The World sting claiming that he could arrange no-balls during a Test at Lord's against England for £150,000.
The tabloid alleged the then Pakistan captain Salman Butt, pacer Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Amer of being involved in this spot-fixing scandal. Identity of the fourth team member has been kept secret.
According to the report, Croydon's assets were frozen since August as Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs officers examine its books as part of the investigation into Majeed's affairs.
The club is being investigated by the Football Association for alleged financial irregularities. LeCluse, his wife and a business partner were arrested and released on bail in connection with this case.