FA end investigation into Liverpool’s ‘spying’ of Manchester City

The FA’s decision has come down to the time since the allegations and the fact the clubs came to a resolution between themselves

Jack Rathborn
Friday 07 February 2020 15:08 GMT
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Liverpool U23 manager in post-match conference after win against Shrewsbury Town

The FA have decided not to progress their investigation into Liverpool spying on Manchester City.

A report in The Times last September claimed that City reached a £1 million settlement with the Reds in 2013 after their private database on the Scout7 system was accessed from outside the club.

The decision has been made due to the “age of the alleged concerns” and the fact the two clubs came to a financial agreement to settle the dispute.

A statement read: “The FA has carefully considered the evidence it received in this matter, including information provided by both clubs involved, and has decided not to progress the investigation.

“This is due to a number of factors including the age of the alleged concerns and the settlement agreed by the two clubs involved.

“As per standard protocol, should The FA receive further information or evidence, the decision not to progress the investigation may be reviewed.”

Liverpool said at the time of the story coming to public: “Liverpool Football Club does not provide any comment on any allegations relating to legal agreements it may or may not have entered into with any other club, organisation or individual.”

Pep Guardiola, who was not at the club at the time, addressed the issue after City beat Watford 8-0 earlier in the season.

“Well, 2013 I think it was, so I was away,” he said. “I don’t know what happened, I think the club has to speak for itself. Honestly I was not here, I was [at Bayern] Munich I think.

“What happened in Liverpool I don’t know, you have to ask them. I am not there, I don’t know. It was 2013, I was not there. I prefer not to do any comment and not use the internet the next time.”

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