Ice skater 'gave the order' for clubbing of rival

THE FORMER husband of Tonya Harding has told FBI investigators that the US figure skater ordered an attack on her American rival, Nancy Kerrigan, and provided information for the hit-man, Phil Reeves reports from Portland.

In a 60-page statement, released last night, Jeff Gillooly claimed his former wife became upset when the attack did not take place and demanded the dollars 2,000 (pounds 1,300) she paid to conspirators.

Kerrigan was clubbed on the right leg by a man wielding a baton after a practice session for the US Women's championships in Detroit on 6 January - less than two months before she was to perform in the Winter Olympics.

Harding has denied foreknowledge of the attack but has admitted withholding information once she found out about it.

Last night her lawyers denied Mr Gillooly's allegations, made as he appeared in an Oregon court to admit charges.

Meanwhile, US skating officials met to decide whether Harding should take part in the Olympics.

Skater heads for fall, page 11