THE offices of a sports empire owned by former Blackburn Rovers star Dave Whelan has been investigated over alleged price-fixing of replica football kits.

The head offices of JJB Sports in Wigan were searched by the Office of Fair Trading as part of an OFT Competition Act investigation.

It was one of several companies targeted throughout the country including Nike and Umbro.

A spokesman for the Office of Fair Trading said: "The OFT can confirm that it has executed a search warrant at the premises of JJB Sports, in Lancashire.

"The visit was one of several made in the UK as part of an OFT Competition Act investigation into alleged price-fixing of replica football kits.

"No assumption should be made at this stage that there has been an infringement of competition law. We will not be in a position to decide that until we have all the facts."

A spokesman for JJB confirmed the investigation and said staff full co-operated with officers.

He said: "The directors of JJB advised the OFT that JJB has never been involved in price fixing of either replica or indeed any other product that is sold by JJB.

"Turnover in replica products currently represents seven per cent JJB's turnover and the gross margin achieved is lower than that generally achieved on clothing products."

The inquiry was launched after continued complaints from retailers wanting to sell replica shirts at a heavy discount, who alleged manufacturers have refused to supply them.

Two years ago the OFT ended a two-year probe into the replica shirts industry after mounting complaints from fans saying they were being ripped off. Footballer-turned-tycoon Mr Whelan started his business empire from modest beginnings.

After breaking his leg twice -- the first time in the 1960 FA Cup Final while playing for Rovers against Wolves -- he opened a corner shop in Tewkesbury Street, Blackburn.

He later moved to Blackburn Market and built up a chain of discount shops which he later sold out to Morrisons for £1 million in 1978.