Fifa has launched a probe into whether Arsenal have broken regulations which may leave the club exposed to possible expulsion from the Champions League.

BBC Newsnight has learnt that a police probe in Belgium has concluded Arsenal made secret payments of 1m to Beveren.

Arsenal have admitted providing a loan to Beveren, but say they have never had a controlling influence over the club.

Fifa is investigating whether Arsenal have breached rules governing fair play and conflict of interest.

Now wouldn't that be ironic :-)

Oh dear, I wondered why you hated Arsenal so much, should have been obvious I suppose. That's it then, like your posting style, great sense of humour, but the wedding's off...

MM,

I think the Belgian club were taking in players from Franch African countries, and after two years they can relocate to the UK.

Aresenal benefit by being able to sign the players without competition from other clubs.

A bit of a storm in a teacup if you ask me, and Champons League expulsion is doubtful IMO, given it will take weeks to investigate this, and the qualyfying matches will start in August.

Harry6 - Certainly not a Spurs fan so don't discharge the best man yet.

Andy - I'd have to disagree. I think it's more than a teacup. It's alleged that through this money Arsenal were the dominant shareholder/partner in the company that owns Beveren. They could therefore control everything that Beveren did to their advantage. There are numerous reasons why this is not a good thing not least of all anti-competition. They've taken it a step further than the standard feeder agreements (e.g. Man United with Antwerp) and may have to pay the ultimate penalty. And before you think it Harry6 I'm not a Chelsea fan, but if Abramovich was doing this the whole world would be on it like a flash. Why not with Arsenal?

queen1,

Well that may be so, but they will have to prove it, and expel Arsenal pretty quickly because the draw for the qualifying round must be done soon, and I'm sure Arsenal will appeal any ban form the CL, so it could become very messy IMO.

A large fine may be a happy compromise here.

arsenal fans feeling gloom...call the arsenal help line on 0800 10 10 10...thats 0800 won nothing won nothing won nothing

Seen it before windsorgolf but still raises a smile :-)

Andy - Agreed about the timescales. But if FIFA felt unable to withdraw them from the CL they could always enforce relegation to The Championship........

DAVID DEIN no
problems, worryies .HE IS THE BOSS.

I hope your not my queen1 , your short of a plank.

And dick brain indsor golf has obviously never been to the ARSENAL Trophy room or realise their history looking for a cheep laugh ,f------ prize plonker.sorry ive had a bad day.

HOW CHEAP CAN Y GET, YOU HAVE SHOWN Y,SELF UP, DO YOU CROSS DRESS.

I did say sorry and yes to your last comment.

but if Abramovich was doing this the whole world would be on it like a flash

if arsenal get in trouble for this you seriously think abramovic's interest in dinamo moscow wont get looked into

David Dean dismissed from the F.A

I wondered where the "gooners" had been all day. So Dein has gone from the FA. Probably more for holding back Arsehead Wanker when the FA were looking to interview him for the England job I suspect but good riddance anyway.

Queen1 - can I call you Q - ok then, it's all back on but there is still a nasty question mark hanging over your allegiance? After all, you know mine.

Windsorperson - got anything new?

New fool - I'm shocked you can use a computer..

David Dein replaced with Man U's Gill, just to make sure the big-clubs retain control.
Anyway, who hopes Lampard breaks his leg while missing a penalty in the first game?

Typical Man U, can't Stand them . City all the way.