FIFA apologise over Fergie article

FIFA have apologised to Alex Ferguson and Manchester United for an article in the world governing body’s official magazine making several controversial claims about the manager.

United were furious last year when a profile of Ferguson appeared in FIFA magazine claiming the Scot “regards himself as above the law” and the club demanded an explanation.

The article also contained other more serious and unsubstantiated allegations regarding Ferguson’s approaches for players and the involvement of his football agent son Jason in transfer dealings.

In the latest issue of the monthly magazine, which is distributed to associations around the world, FIFA have apologised for the article entitled ‘A stubborn son of Govan’.

A statement says: “FIFA distances itself from these statements and would like to apologise to Manchester United and in particular to its manager Alex Ferguson, over these unsubstantiated allegations and retract them completely.”