UNITED MADE TO WAIT

Last updated : 27 November 2002 By Editor
Manchester United and the Football Association should find out early next year if they are to be prosecuted for allegedly fixing the price of replica kits.

The Office of Fair Trading issued a statement today confirming their intention to continue investigations into United, the FA and Umbro - as well as seven retailers - amid claims 'they have been fixing the price of Umbro replica football kits'.

The OFT accuses the 10 organisations of entering into illegal agreements to fix the price of kits manufactured by Umbro.

Initial allegations were put to 11 organisations and, after the accused parties responded with additional evidence, the OFT have opted to continue their proceedings against 10, with insufficient evidence offered to implicate Debenhams.

The 10 now have until the end of January to respond to the claims before a decision is made in spring.