World soccer's ruling body FIFA cleared Arsenal on Thursday of breaching the rules governing the ownership of clubs after a television report linking the London team with Belgium's Beveren.

"After carefully analysing the documents and statements provided by the (English) Football Association in relation to an alleged breach of club ownership rules by Arsenal and Beveren ... there is no evidence or indication of any infringement of the relevant regulations," FIFA said in a statement. "The FA had already reached the same conclusion, having been requested by FIFA to investigate the case."

Arsenal denied wrongdoing after being accused earlier this month of making secret payments to Beveren.

BBC's Newsnight programme reported that a police probe in Belgium had concluded that the Premier League club, losing Champions League finalists this year, had paid Beveren one million pounds (U.S.$1.82 million).

The north London club, in a statement to Newsnight, confirmed a technical relationship with Beveren since 2001 but denied controlling the club.