Brighton and Hove Albion owner Tony Bloom stands accused of leading a secret £600million gambling syndicate.

Bloom, who became Brighton's chairman in 2009, is alleged to have used the syndicate to bet on football matches.

The 55-year-old also allegedly struck a deal with George Cottrell, a former aide of Reform leader Nigel Farage, to place bets via the latter's offshore gaming accounts.

Details of the claim filed at London's High Court and revealed by The Times include a former Starlizard employee, Ryan Dudfield, alleging they are owed £17.5m in profits made.

Starlizard is a betting advisory company owned by Bloom.

It is also revealed how Bloom and his syndicate, which is said to include more than 100 members who he personally invites to join, place bets.

In the claim, Dudfield a

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