Thursday 29 September 2016 16:00, UK
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink is devastated by the latest footage released by the Daily Telegraph and insists he is totally innocent of any wrongdoing, according to Sky sources.
Hasselbaink is alleged to have negotiated a £55,000 fee to fly to the Far East and speak to investors in a fictitious firm, which the newspaper says made clear it was interested in getting involved in player transfers.
QPR issued a statement in response promising "a thorough internal investigation" and said: "We have every confidence in our manager and the robust systems and processes the club has in place."
It continued: "First and foremost, the club reiterates that we take these allegations very seriously. As part of the investigation, CEO Lee Hoos and director of football Les Ferdinand met with Hasselbaink this morning to interview him regarding his version of events.
"Thereafter, a meeting took place at our Harlington training ground, whereby all players and staff were addressed by Hoos to explain the club's stance. As part of the ongoing investigation, the club will need to view an unedited version of the video footage and full transcript of the discussions that took place.
"We appreciate the QPR fans want this issue dealt with as quickly as possible, and that is the club's intention. In the meantime, Hasselbaink and his staff are continuing to prepare the team for our Championship fixture against Fulham this weekend."
Sky Sports News HQ understands the QPR boss was close to tears on Wednesday evening as he believes everything he has worked for in the game has been destroyed by footage he says has been edited to make him look bad.
Hasselbaink, who has received messages of support from owner Tony Fernandes and Hoos, insists he was only discussing being paid to speak in the Far East on a day off from QPR - something that is sanctioned by a clause in his contract with the club - and that he has no control over transfers, which are handled by Ferdinand and the QPR board.
His lawyers are now examining what The Daily Telegraph has printed to determine if there are grounds for legal action and he has given all the text messages involved in setting up the meeting to QPR as he believes they prove his innocence.
It is understood Hasselbaink was contacted by more than 50 agents during the summer, with none of them offering him a bribe or bung.
Ben Robinson, chairman of Burton Albion where Hasselbaink began his managerial career, says he is surprised by the allegations made against the former Leeds and Chelsea striker.
Speaking to Sky Sports News HQ, he said: "I know Jimmy Hasselbaink to be a really good guy and I can't imagine him doing or saying anything that would undermine his position at QPR.
"When he was here he did a great job for us and he handled the club's record transfer fee which made the club hundreds of thousands of pounds and he never asked for any rewards for that. And he wasn't paid any.
"So I find this all very surprising. It looks as though he was offered some money to go and speak abroad and that was it."
