Berezovsky denies Tevez involvement
Russian billionaire Boris Berezovsky has denied having "any dealings connected to Carlos Tevez" or any involvement in money-laundering after it was reported in South America that a Brazilian judge had issued warrants for the arrest of Berezovsky and Tevez's representative Kia Joorabchian.
The Brazilian authorities are reported to have instructed Interpol to carry out the arrest of Joorabchian, who is involved in negotiations for the sale of Tevez to Manchester United from West Ham, and Russian businessman Berezovsky. The warrants are reported to relate to money-laundering at Brazilian side Corinthians, of which Joorabchian's company Media Sports Investment (MSI) is a majority investor.
Judge Fausto Martin de Sanctis reportedly ordered the club's assets to be frozen and will also investigate international transfers conducted by the club, but Berezovsky, living in exile in London, is adamant the warrant is "an extension of the Kremlin's politicised campaign against him" and has repeatedly denied any links to MSI.
A statement from Berezovsky read: "At this time neither I nor my lawyers have had any contact with the Brazilian authorities with regard to the allegations that an arrest warrant has been issued against me.
"Given the extensive comment in the Russian media and the farce of a 'trial in absentia' in the Russian courts, I have no doubt that the Brazilian story is an extension of the Kremlin's politicised campaign against me. I am not involved in money-laundering, nor have I been involved in any dealings connected to Carlos Tevez. I am an Arsenal fan."
Argentina striker Tevez is set to be confirmed as Sir Alex Ferguson's latest summer signing next week after playing in Sunday's Copa America final against Brazil.
Both Corinthians and MSI deny the reported charges.
