Arsenal face 'secret payments' investigation

Matt The Blue | 1 June 2006

FIFA has launched an investigation into whether Arsenal have broken regulations which could leave the club exposed to serious penalties - even expulsion from the Champions League.

BBC Newsnight has learnt that a police investigation in Belgium has concluded that Arsenal made secret payments of £1m to take over KSK Beveren, which has brought dozens of players from the Ivory Coast into Europe - including Emmanual Eboue and more than half of the Ivory Coast’s world cup squad.

Arsenal have released a statement denying any wrongdoing.

Read the full Newsnight investigation. Newsnight is on BBC Two tonight at 10:30pm.

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Arsenal face &#039;secret payments&#039; investigation

Arsenal face 'secret payments' investigation