Former Portsmouth chief executive Peter Storrie has appeared in court in London over tax evasion charges. Storrie attended the hearing at City of Westminster Magistrates' Court and was charged with evading tax in relation to midfielder Eyal Berkovic's termination fee.

Storrie, who stood in the dock to confirm his name and address and listen as the charge was read to him, is accused of making an offshore payment to terminate Berkovic's contract on which no tax was declared or paid, reports The Guardian.

It is alleged that between 1 January 2005 and 28 November 2007, in his position as club chief executive, he arranged a termination payment to Berkovic via the account of Medellin Enterprises Ltd, a company registered in the British Virgin Islands, causing the failure of the club to operate PAYE and account for income tax and National Insurance contributions in respect of the payment.

District Judge Timothy Workman ordered the case to be sent to Southwark Crown Court for a further hearing at 10am on 13 September. Storrie was granted unconditional bail.