A LEADING British football agent is under investigation for blackmail after reportedly sending a threatening email to ex-Chelsea director Marina Granovskaia.
The Russian-born executive arrived at Stamford Bridge in 2013 and played a key role in Chelsea's transfers.
She represented the interests of the then Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich and also brokered lucrative sponsorship deals for the club.
Granovskaia was largely seen as a powerhouse in the football world and was once ranked by Forbes as the fifth most powerful woman in sport.
But according to The Times, Granovskaia received a threatening email from a leading British football agent before her departure following Abramovich's sale to US billionaire Todd Boehly in May.
The agent is reported to have demanded a payment of £300,000 for what he considered to be his role in a big-money transfer.
Blame for not receiving the payment was placed at Granovskaia's door and the agent promised to "make you pay for the way you have been with me".
Granovskaia informed Chelsea and the Metropolitan Police of the email.
The email shared with The Times reads: "I will make you pay for the way you have been.
"That’s not a threat . . . it’s a promise. If Chelsea don’t pay it’s on you . . . see you when I see you.
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“I will give you the chance to make things correct if you apologise for your behaviour towards me.
"If you don’t then I promise you I will make you pay for the way you have been with me on a personal and business level.
"This is not a threat so take it how you want.
"This is a promise that I give to anybody who f***s/tries to f*** me over in anything in life.
"In summary you owe me and my partners 300k which needs to get paid ASAP.
"If Chelsea don’t pay it then the debt will be on you to pay. I am done trying to be nice to you.”
The Times reports that the agent was arrested and released on bail, which means he cannot be named for legal reasons.
A solicitor acting for the agent said his client “strenuously denies the allegation” and “has not been charged with any offence at this time”.
A police spokesperson confirmed an arrest in connection with the investigation was made on September 19.
They said: “Officers from Met’s MO6 Public Order Crime Team are investigating an allegation of blackmail reported to police in June.
"On September 19 a man was arrested in connection with the investigation. He was later released on bail.”