FA wait for FIFA ruling over Arsenal probe

The Football Association will seek clarification from FIFA before launching any investigation into allegations that Arsenal made irregular financial payments to Belgian club Beveren.

FIFA have told the English and Belgian football associations they must investigate Arsenal’s relationship with Beveren before the sport’s world governing body can become involved.

Last night’s BBC Newsnight programme related how police uncovered an investment into Beveren of £1million from an anonymous donor which they subsequently concluded had been provided by Arsenal.

The Champions League finalists responded by issuing a statement declaring their partnership with Beveren is on a football basis only, although they confirmed they paid a loan to stabilise the club in 2001.