Gareth Barry charged by FA with breaching ownership rules

Barry has denied the allegations against him

Former England international Gareth Barry has been charged with breaching FA rules on ownership over an alleged investment in Swindon Town eight years ago. The allegations first came to light during a High Court case involving the League Two club's former owner Lee Power in May 2020. It was claimed that Barry lent £800,000 to his former agent Michael Standing in order to fund the purchase of Swindon in 2013, when the midfielder was a Manchester City player. Barry, who holds the record for making the most ever Premier League appearances, has denied being an investor in Swindon. FA regulations forbid agents from owning clubs due to potential conflicts of interest.

Swindon were eventually acquired by Australian businessman Clem Morfuni in the summer after a long-running campaign to oust Power from the club's supporters trust.

The charge against Barry comes in addition to the FA's existing proceedings against Swindon, former owner Power, First Touch Pro Management and Standing. All parties have until December 1 to provide a response to their charges. Related links:

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