Arsenal investigated by FIFA over Beveren
From BBC sports:
FA wants clarity on Arsenal probe
Arsenal badge
Arsenal say they do not have control of any other clubs
The Football Association have asked Fifa to clarify what rules Arsenal might have broken regarding their relationship with Belgian club Beveren.
Fifa want the FA to look into claims they made payments to Beveren.
FA spokesman Mark Hooper said: "We will await clarification on whether the allegations breach Fifa rules."
Premier League rules prohibit clubs making loans or owning shares but these rules do not apply to dealings with a club based outside of England.
A Belgian police inquiry discovered secret money links between Arsenal and Beveren to fund the club's takeover.
But Beveren club spokesman Dirk Dobbeleir said: "We have nothing to fear.
"A joint venture agreement has been made between Arsenal and Beveren but the police said everything was in order and there was no case to answer.
"We don't know why the media suddenly made so much of the matter though probably because the name Arsenal made it newsworthy."
Fifa communications director Markus Siegler said: "According to the structure of rules which are in place, the FA have to look into the matter.
"Fifa are interested in all cases around the world but individual members must run football in their country.
"They must take responsibility for their members so absolutely this is a case for the FA to deal with."
If found guility, Arsenal could be punished with anything from a fine to being relegated from the Premiership or kicked out of the Champions League.
The investigation, which was shown in a television report on Newsnight on Thursday, suggested that Arsenal had used Belgium's slack rules to recruit players from Africa.
The Gunners signed Emmanuel Eboue from Beveren for £1.5m.
While the FA have been instructed to lead the investigation, leading sports lawyer Mel Goldberg does not think Arsenal have anything to fear.
Goldberg told Five Live Sport: "Uefa and Fifa have rules about clubs owning shares in foreign teams.
"I don't think that's happened here because Arsenal say, rightly, they have no control of a foreign club."
Goldberg added: "There are two sets of rules you need to look at.
"One is the Premier League rules which prevent clubs owning shares or an interest in another Premiership or Football League club. That hasn't happened here.
"Then there are Uefa and Fifa rules which are similar, about clubs owning shares in foreign teams, and I don't think that's happened either."
The Belgian police investigation forced Arsenal to admit they had indirectly loaned Beveren £1m, although previously they had denied putting any money into the club.
A statement from the Gunners said: "Arsenal confirms it has never owned, directly or indirectly, any shares in Beveren or had any power whatsoever to influence its management or administration."
From BBC Sports:
FA asked to investigate Arsenal
Arsenal badge
Arsenal say it has never owned any shares in Beveren
Fifa has written to the Football Association requesting it investigates the relationship between Arsenal and Belgium club Beveren.
The BBC's Newsnight programme claims the Gunners made payments to Beveren.
The letter said: "We kindly ask you to carry out an investigation into the relevant relationship between your affiliated club, Arsenal, and Beveren.
"We would be grateful to be updated on the developments and informed of the findings as soon as possible."
The statement added: "We ask you to carry out an investigation to ensure proper clarification of the issue."
Newsnight learned that a police probe in Belgium had concluded Arsenal made secret payments of £1m to Beveren.
Arsenal have admitted providing a loan to Beveren indirectly, but say they have never had a controlling influence over the Belgian club.
Premier League rules prohibit clubs making loans or owning shares but these rules do not apply to dealings with a club based outside of England.
The Gunners have an arrangement with the Belgium club to play friendly matches and loan players.
Arsenal deny allegations of making irregular financial payments to Beveren.
An FA spokesman said: "We have received Fifa's letter asking us to carry out an appropriate investigation into the allegations relating to Arsenal.
"As requested our compliance department will be in contact with Arsenal regarding this matter."
From BBC Sports:
Arsenal probe finds no evidence
Arsenal badge
The Football Association has announced that it has not uncovered any evidence of wrongdoing by Arsenal in the club's relationship with Belgian side Beveren.
BBC Newsnight said Belgian police found that Arsenal made irregular payments to Beveren, charges the club denied.
Football's world governing body Fifa asked the FA to investigate, but it concluded the Gunners had not breached any FA or Premier League rules.
The material obtained during the FA's investigation has been sent to Fifa.
"As a result of our inquiries, we can confirm that we have not identified any evidence to suggest that Arsenal have breached any rules of the FA or the FA Premier League (FAPL) in relation to their dealings with Beveren," read an FA statement.
"In order to protect the integrity of matches and competitions, these rules prohibit clubs in the same competition from being owned, influenced or controlled by the same person or entity.
The FA has established that Beveren is a Belgian football club and therefore does not compete against Arsenal in the Premiership or the FA Cup. This is not what Sepp Blatter asked for
Newsnight reaction
The Football Association has undertaken a thorough and appropriate inquiry
FA response
Newsnight & FA statements in full
"In this case, the relevant competitions are the FA Cup and the FA Premier League. The rules also prevent a Premier League club from owning or controlling another Premier League or Football League club."
Newsnight responded to the announcement by saying: "After its investigation the Football Association has concluded that because Beveren is a Belgian football club, there is no evidence that Arsenal has breached any of its own FA or FAPL rules.
"But this is not what Sepp Blatter asked it to investigate.
"The FA has not investigated any of the allegations in the original Newsnight film which related to dealings between Arsenal, Beveren and the Ivory Coast."
However an FA spokesman insisted: "We have conducted an inquiry in line with their request.
"The FA has undertaken a thorough and appropriate inquiry and will continue to offer any assistance that Fifa may require."
Newsnight revealed on 1 June how Belgian police uncovered an investment into Beveren of £1m from an anonymous donor, which they subsequently concluded had been provided by Arsenal.
Arsenal admitted providing a loan to Beveren indirectly, but said they have never had a controlling influence over the Belgian club.
Premier League rules prohibit clubs making loans or owning shares but these rules do not apply to dealings with a club based outside of England.
The Gunners have an arrangement with the Belgium club to play friendly matches and loan players.
Ivory Coast defender Emmanuel Eboue moved to Arsenal following a successful spell with the Belgian team.
From BBC Sports:
Fifa clears Arsenal after probe
Fifa has cleared Arsenal of any breach of club ownership rules over their dealings with Belgian side Beveren.
BBC Newsnight said Belgian police found Arsenal made an irregular £1m payment to Beveren - a charge the club denied.
Fifa asked the Football Association to look into the allegation and it absolved Arsenal of any wrongdoing.
And Fifa will not take the matter further, saying: "There is no evidence or indication of any infringement of the relevant regulations."
Arsenal always maintained the £1m payment to Beveren was by way of a loan "to assist in stabilising the finances of Beveren" and vehemently denied having a controlling influence over the club.
The FA earlier found the Gunners had not breached any rules of the FA or the FA Premier League in relation to their dealings with Beveren.
The Fifa statement backed up these findings.
It read: "After carefully analysing the documents and statements provided by the Football Association in relation to an alleged breach of club ownership rules by Arsenal and Belgian club Beveren, Fifa confirmed there is no evidence or indication of any infringement of the relevant regulations.
"The FA had already reached the same conclusion, having been requested by Fifa to investigate the case.
"Under the Fifa statutes, it is the responsibility of the member associations to ensure that neither a natural nor a legal person exercises control over more than one club whenever the integrity of any match or competition could be jeopardised.
Emmanuel Eboue
Eboue joined Arsenal from Beveren
"In view of these findings, Fifa does not see any reason for further investigation or for any additional measures to be taken in this connection."
Premier League rules prohibit clubs making loans or owning shares but these rules do not apply to dealings with a club based outside England.
The Gunners have an arrangement with the Belgium club to play friendly matches and there is an option for players to be loaned between the clubs.
Ivory Coast defender Emmanuel Eboue moved to Arsenal following a successful spell with the Belgian team.
FA wants clarity on Arsenal probe
Arsenal badge
Arsenal say they do not have control of any other clubs
The Football Association have asked Fifa to clarify what rules Arsenal might have broken regarding their relationship with Belgian club Beveren.
Fifa want the FA to look into claims they made payments to Beveren.
FA spokesman Mark Hooper said: "We will await clarification on whether the allegations breach Fifa rules."
Premier League rules prohibit clubs making loans or owning shares but these rules do not apply to dealings with a club based outside of England.
A Belgian police inquiry discovered secret money links between Arsenal and Beveren to fund the club's takeover.
But Beveren club spokesman Dirk Dobbeleir said: "We have nothing to fear.
"A joint venture agreement has been made between Arsenal and Beveren but the police said everything was in order and there was no case to answer.
"We don't know why the media suddenly made so much of the matter though probably because the name Arsenal made it newsworthy."
Fifa communications director Markus Siegler said: "According to the structure of rules which are in place, the FA have to look into the matter.
"Fifa are interested in all cases around the world but individual members must run football in their country.
"They must take responsibility for their members so absolutely this is a case for the FA to deal with."
If found guility, Arsenal could be punished with anything from a fine to being relegated from the Premiership or kicked out of the Champions League.
The investigation, which was shown in a television report on Newsnight on Thursday, suggested that Arsenal had used Belgium's slack rules to recruit players from Africa.
The Gunners signed Emmanuel Eboue from Beveren for £1.5m.
While the FA have been instructed to lead the investigation, leading sports lawyer Mel Goldberg does not think Arsenal have anything to fear.
Goldberg told Five Live Sport: "Uefa and Fifa have rules about clubs owning shares in foreign teams.
"I don't think that's happened here because Arsenal say, rightly, they have no control of a foreign club."
Goldberg added: "There are two sets of rules you need to look at.
"One is the Premier League rules which prevent clubs owning shares or an interest in another Premiership or Football League club. That hasn't happened here.
"Then there are Uefa and Fifa rules which are similar, about clubs owning shares in foreign teams, and I don't think that's happened either."
The Belgian police investigation forced Arsenal to admit they had indirectly loaned Beveren £1m, although previously they had denied putting any money into the club.
A statement from the Gunners said: "Arsenal confirms it has never owned, directly or indirectly, any shares in Beveren or had any power whatsoever to influence its management or administration."
From BBC Sports:
FA asked to investigate Arsenal
Arsenal badge
Arsenal say it has never owned any shares in Beveren
Fifa has written to the Football Association requesting it investigates the relationship between Arsenal and Belgium club Beveren.
The BBC's Newsnight programme claims the Gunners made payments to Beveren.
The letter said: "We kindly ask you to carry out an investigation into the relevant relationship between your affiliated club, Arsenal, and Beveren.
"We would be grateful to be updated on the developments and informed of the findings as soon as possible."
The statement added: "We ask you to carry out an investigation to ensure proper clarification of the issue."
Newsnight learned that a police probe in Belgium had concluded Arsenal made secret payments of £1m to Beveren.
Arsenal have admitted providing a loan to Beveren indirectly, but say they have never had a controlling influence over the Belgian club.
Premier League rules prohibit clubs making loans or owning shares but these rules do not apply to dealings with a club based outside of England.
The Gunners have an arrangement with the Belgium club to play friendly matches and loan players.
Arsenal deny allegations of making irregular financial payments to Beveren.
An FA spokesman said: "We have received Fifa's letter asking us to carry out an appropriate investigation into the allegations relating to Arsenal.
"As requested our compliance department will be in contact with Arsenal regarding this matter."
From BBC Sports:
Arsenal probe finds no evidence
Arsenal badge
The Football Association has announced that it has not uncovered any evidence of wrongdoing by Arsenal in the club's relationship with Belgian side Beveren.
BBC Newsnight said Belgian police found that Arsenal made irregular payments to Beveren, charges the club denied.
Football's world governing body Fifa asked the FA to investigate, but it concluded the Gunners had not breached any FA or Premier League rules.
The material obtained during the FA's investigation has been sent to Fifa.
"As a result of our inquiries, we can confirm that we have not identified any evidence to suggest that Arsenal have breached any rules of the FA or the FA Premier League (FAPL) in relation to their dealings with Beveren," read an FA statement.
"In order to protect the integrity of matches and competitions, these rules prohibit clubs in the same competition from being owned, influenced or controlled by the same person or entity.
The FA has established that Beveren is a Belgian football club and therefore does not compete against Arsenal in the Premiership or the FA Cup. This is not what Sepp Blatter asked for
Newsnight reaction
The Football Association has undertaken a thorough and appropriate inquiry
FA response
Newsnight & FA statements in full
"In this case, the relevant competitions are the FA Cup and the FA Premier League. The rules also prevent a Premier League club from owning or controlling another Premier League or Football League club."
Newsnight responded to the announcement by saying: "After its investigation the Football Association has concluded that because Beveren is a Belgian football club, there is no evidence that Arsenal has breached any of its own FA or FAPL rules.
"But this is not what Sepp Blatter asked it to investigate.
"The FA has not investigated any of the allegations in the original Newsnight film which related to dealings between Arsenal, Beveren and the Ivory Coast."
However an FA spokesman insisted: "We have conducted an inquiry in line with their request.
"The FA has undertaken a thorough and appropriate inquiry and will continue to offer any assistance that Fifa may require."
Newsnight revealed on 1 June how Belgian police uncovered an investment into Beveren of £1m from an anonymous donor, which they subsequently concluded had been provided by Arsenal.
Arsenal admitted providing a loan to Beveren indirectly, but said they have never had a controlling influence over the Belgian club.
Premier League rules prohibit clubs making loans or owning shares but these rules do not apply to dealings with a club based outside of England.
The Gunners have an arrangement with the Belgium club to play friendly matches and loan players.
Ivory Coast defender Emmanuel Eboue moved to Arsenal following a successful spell with the Belgian team.
From BBC Sports:
Fifa clears Arsenal after probe
Fifa has cleared Arsenal of any breach of club ownership rules over their dealings with Belgian side Beveren.
BBC Newsnight said Belgian police found Arsenal made an irregular £1m payment to Beveren - a charge the club denied.
Fifa asked the Football Association to look into the allegation and it absolved Arsenal of any wrongdoing.
And Fifa will not take the matter further, saying: "There is no evidence or indication of any infringement of the relevant regulations."
Arsenal always maintained the £1m payment to Beveren was by way of a loan "to assist in stabilising the finances of Beveren" and vehemently denied having a controlling influence over the club.
The FA earlier found the Gunners had not breached any rules of the FA or the FA Premier League in relation to their dealings with Beveren.
The Fifa statement backed up these findings.
It read: "After carefully analysing the documents and statements provided by the Football Association in relation to an alleged breach of club ownership rules by Arsenal and Belgian club Beveren, Fifa confirmed there is no evidence or indication of any infringement of the relevant regulations.
"The FA had already reached the same conclusion, having been requested by Fifa to investigate the case.
"Under the Fifa statutes, it is the responsibility of the member associations to ensure that neither a natural nor a legal person exercises control over more than one club whenever the integrity of any match or competition could be jeopardised.
Emmanuel Eboue
Eboue joined Arsenal from Beveren
"In view of these findings, Fifa does not see any reason for further investigation or for any additional measures to be taken in this connection."
Premier League rules prohibit clubs making loans or owning shares but these rules do not apply to dealings with a club based outside England.
The Gunners have an arrangement with the Belgium club to play friendly matches and there is an option for players to be loaned between the clubs.
Ivory Coast defender Emmanuel Eboue moved to Arsenal following a successful spell with the Belgian team.
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