FA asked to investigate Arsenal

FIFA have written to the Football Association requesting they investigate the relationship between Arsenal and Belgium club Beveren.

A FIFA spokesman confirmed this morning that a letter addressed to chief executive Brian Barwick was posted on Saturday instructing the FA to examine ties between the clubs.

The FA have not yet received any formal communication from the sport's world governing body on how to proceed following allegations that Arsenal made irregular payments to Beveren.

FIFA's letter read: "By means of this letter we kindly ask you to carry out an appropriate investigation into the relevant relationship between your affiliated club, Arsenal, and Beveren.

"We also ask you investigate the relationship with Asec Mimosas from the Ivory Coast. We ask you to carry out an investigation to ensure proper clarification of the issue.

"Furthermore, we would be grateful to be kept updated on the developments and informed about your findings as soon as possible."

BBC's Newsnight programme, screened last Thursday, 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.

Arsenal have an arrangement with Beveren to play friendly matches and loan players, with Ivory Coast defender Emmanuel Eboue arriving at Highbury on a permanent deal following a successful spell with the Belgian team.

The Gunners, however, refute allegations of making irregular financial payments to Beveren.