Former Cronulla Sharks CEO Tony Zappia’s alleged involvement in a life insurance scam has deepened, according to a Sydney Morning Herald report.

Clint Elford, the Sharks rugby league fan who banked a fraudulent $525,000 payout from AIG Life, claims Mr Zappia forged signatures on signed documents and encouraged him to pursue other insurance payouts to assist the struggling club.

Mr Elford donated $30,000 to a Sharks development fund, but claims the remaining funds have been spent. He was later caught lodging another dodgy claim with Allianz after the insurer checked the spelling of doctors’ names on a $1.5 million policy.

Appearing via video link from Goulburn Jail, Mr Elford pleaded guilty this week to 24 charges including using a false instrument and obtaining money by deception.

Mr Zappia denies the allegations against him, which were submitted in a prosecution statement to Goulburn Local Court.

Mr Elford will be sentenced on April 12.