FA CALL FERGIE TO ACCOUNT

Last updated : 06 November 2003 By Editor
A statement on the FA website read:

‘The FA have today written to Manchester United manager Sir
Alex Ferguson seeking his explanations for reported comments
regarding The FA and the recent disciplinary hearings
involving Arsenal FC.

‘These comments appear to raise issues about the integrity
and impartiality of The FA's disciplinary processes.

’Additionally, The FA has written to Manchester United FC to
request their explanation as to whether these comments
reflect the club's official position on the matter.

’Sir Alex Ferguson and Manchester United have been given
until 11th November to respond.’

After the disciplinary procedures against Arsenal, Fergie
said:

“I think Arsenal will be delighted with the decision, that's
without question. I read they did a deal before they went in
there and I think that was the suspicion right throughout
the country that a deal was being done. It's disappointing
to read that kind of thing. It's obvious they have been
doing deals for years.”

FIFA president Sepp Blatter has voiced his concern over the
authority that the FA holds. Blatter said yesterday:

"If he [Palios] doesn't show a determined hand, if he
doesn't streamline the FA's operations, clarify some
ambiguous rules and get the support he deserves, then
English football will be left facing an institutional
problem.

“The authority of the FA appears to be open to discussion in
England these days. Its decisions are being questioned by
the people, players and managers, who are bound most
explicitly by its rulings and regulations.”

With a reputation for ineptitude and failure, is it any
wonder that nobody has any faith in the FA?