Football Association’s Appeal Against Swindon Town Rule Violations Rejected

The Football Association’s appeal against a decision by an independent regulatory commission concerning rule violations committed by Swindon Town, which originated in 2013, has been unsuccessful. In July, the commission imposed fines on the League Two club totaling £25,000, along with an additional £12,500 fine that was suspended for two years, for violations related to football agents and engagement with intermediaries. However, the FA lodged an appeal concerning two specific charges that had been dismissed. One dismissed charge was against former chairman Lee Power, while the other involved Power, the club, former England midfielder Gareth Barry, Barry’s former agent Michael Standing, and First Touch Pro Management, where Standing served as a director. The independent regulatory commission rejected both appeals after a hearing conducted on October 25. According to the independent board’s written reasons, the original allegations asserted that Standing, First Touch Pro Management, and Barry supplied “substantial sums by way of funding to Swindon, via Power and companies owned by him”. It was further alleged that Barry provided a loan to Standing to finance the purchase of a stake in Swindon during his tenure as a player for Manchester City. FA regulations prohibit agents from owning clubs due to the potential for conflicts of interest. The commission determined that Barry had rendered financial aid to Standing and First Touch Pro Management to facilitate the investment in Swindon. The allegations against Power were deemed unproven. Barry, aged 45, received a warning from the FA during the summer. Standing was issued a six-month prohibition from all football-related activities, and First Touch Pro Management incurred a £40,000 fine in addition to a warning.