FA loses appeal against Swindon rule breaches

The initial case against Swindon dates back to 2013

The Football Association has lost an appeal against an independent regulatory commission decision over breaches made by Swindon Town dating back to 2013.

The League Two club was fined £25,000 and £12,500 - suspended for two years - by the commission in July for breaching rules over football agents and working with intermediaries.

The FA however appealed against two of the charges that were dismissed - one against former chairman Lee Power and another against Power, the club, former England midfielder Gareth Barry, Barry's former agent Michael Standing and First Touch Pro Management - of which Standing was a director.

The independent regulatory commission dismissed both appeals following a hearing on 25 October.

The initial charges were that Standing, First Touch Pro Management and Barry provided "substantial sums by way of funding to Swindon, via Power and companies owned by him", the independent board's written reasons state.

It was claimed that Barry lent money to Standing to fund the acquisition of a stake in Swindon when he was playing for Manchester City.

Under FA regulations, agents are not allowed to own clubs because of potential conflicts of interest.

The commission concluded that Barry had provided financial assistance to Standing and First Touch Pro Management in order for the investment in Swindon to be made.

The charges against Power were found not proven.

Barry, 45, was given a warning by the FA in the summer, Standing was given a six-month ban from all football activity and First Touch Pro Management was fined £40,000 and also given a warning.