Fifa clear Arsenal of rule breaking

Arsenal have been cleared by Fifa of any breach of rules concerning their relationship with Belgian club Beveren.

Just days after the English FA announced there was no evidence to suggest the Premiership side had breached any footballing laws, Fifa backed their view.

Fifa had requested the FA probe the relationship between the two clubs following allegations, made on BBC's Newsnight programme, the Gunners made irregular payments to the Belgian outfit.

But a statement from the world's governing body said: "After carefully analysing the documents and statements provided by the Football Association in relation to an alleged breach of club ownership rules by English club Arsenal FC and Belgian club VZW KSK Beveren, Fifa confirmed today 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 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.

"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."

The FA received full co-operation from both clubs and kept Fifa continually informed of their progress before announcing the Londoners were in the clear.

But the BBC's Newsnight programme criticised the investigation, claiming the FA had not answered the relevant questions asked by Fifa.

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

Arsenal said their partnership with Beveren was on a football basis only, although they did acknowledge granting them a loan to stabilise the club five years ago.

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 continually refuted allegations of making irregular financial payments to Beveren.