An investigation uncovered that secret money given by Arsenal to a small Belgium football club was used to import African players, a BBC news program alleged on Thursday. The relationship was discovered by a Belgian police investigation of a large donation made by a nameless company to first division club Beveren. The probe revealed no evidence of mob involvement, but did uncover information suggesting Arsenal provided secret financial support for the club. In return, Arsenal allegedly used Belgium's lax immigration rules to bring players from an Ivory Coast football academy to sell in Europe. FIFA has asked the English FA to launch an investigation regarding the issue. "We kindly ask you to carry out an investigation into the relevant relationship between your affiliated club, Arsenal, and Beveren," FIFA wrote to the FA. "We would be grateful to be updated on the developments and informed of the findings as soon as possible." The FA in turn confirmed they will begin investigating the Premiership club's involvement. "We have received FIFA's letter asking us to carry out an appropriate investigation into the allegations relating to Arsenal," an FA spokesman was quoted as saying by BBC Sport. "As requested our compliance department will be in contact with Arsenal regarding this matter." FIFA prohibits any team from owning shares in more than one club while Premier League rules forbid its clubs from making loans or owning shares, but only in England. Arsenal responded to the allegations by stating that their relation with the Belgian club is solely a "technical relationship". "Arsenal can confirm that it has had a technical relationship with Beveren since 2001," Arsenal said in a statement. "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. "In addition, Arsenal confirms that it has never owned, directly or indirectly, any shares in Beveren or had any power whatsoever to influence its management or administration."
