Soccer news: The English 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.
Initially it was thought that any ensuing investigation would fall under FIFA's jurisdiction but today director of communications Markus Siegler confirmed the relevant FAs must first examine the claims.
He said: "According to the structure of rules and responsibility which are in place, the FA have to look into the matter.
"Arsenal are innocent until proven guilty but if there is a story like this in the media — and there is clearly a matter which needs investigation here — then the FA must deal with it.
"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."
The FA have responded to FIFA's statement by declaring they will not examine the claims until the sport's world governing body has outlined which rules may have been breached.
An FA spokesman said: "We understand from FIFA's media comments that they wish the FA to look into these allegations.
"We will assist FIFA and await formal communication from them and clarification on whether the allegations relate to possible breaches of FIFA rules."
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.
A statement from the club read: "We do not normally make public our agreements with third parties. However, we can confirm we have had a technical relationship with Beveren since 2001.
"This relationship has a number of benefits to both clubs, such as providing a platform to share coaching methods and techniques as well as facilitating the option of players being loaned between the clubs.
"We confirm we have never owned, directly or indirectly, any shares in Beveren or had any power whatsoever to influence the club's management or administration."
