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The International Football Federation FIFA has started an investigation against the London team. According to the English National Television BBC, the Belgian police discovered that the London club secretly paid 1 million pounds to the Belgian team. If the allegations are confirmed, "Arsenal" could face removal from the UEFA Champions League.
The London club does not deny lending money to the club, but claims to have never interfered in the club's internal politics and not controlled it.
During the BBC broadcast, evidence was presented that in 2001, a "anonymous" investment of one million pounds was made in the club. Later, the Belgian police found out that the money was transferred by the "Arsenal" team. The Belgian club later used this money to bring footballers from Africa to Europe, mostly from Ivory Coast, taking advantage of the country's tax policy.
"Yes, "Arsenal" did transfer 1.9 million US dollars in 2001 to support a businessman, in order to stabilize the financial situation of the "Beveren" team," - says "Arsenal" in an official statement, but categorically denies having any influence on the club. Remember that FIFA prohibits a football club from participating in the activities of another club (not the reserve team).
The mentioned "businessman" of "Arsenal" - Jean Marc Guillou - is a close friend of Arsene Wenger. Guillou at that time attracted players from Africa to the club, later selling them in Europe. Current "Arsenal" players got to the London club precisely this way.
According to reports, "Arsenal" lent money to the company "NV Goal" - the largest shareholder of "Beveren," and in return, the club was compensated with shares in the club.
By the way, in the summer of the same 2001, a striker of the Lithuanian national team who played in the London club at that time was also loaned to this club, and the clubs continued their "cooperation" by organizing friendly matches and mutual internships.
