Football's punishment system is flawed... there must be proper accountability
04.07.24, 14:43 Updated 05.06.25, 20:02 7 Minute Read
Sam Morshead
Talk about the son being punished for the sins of the father…
The FA have published a disciplinary panel’s verdict into various allegations of misconduct against Swindon Town, Michael Standing (an agent and former quiet investor in the club), First Touch Pro Management (Standing’s agency), Gareth Barry (the former footballer and friend of Standing), and Lee Power (the former Swindon owner).
All parties bar Power were found to have been in breach of at least one aspect of the FA’s code of conduct for agents, which prohibits intermediaries and active players from entering into financial commitments with clubs.
Between 2013 and 2019, Barry provided Standing with loans to support an investment in Town, during the reign of Power, of up to £1.75million. Standing and First Touch added considerably more, taking the total cash injection into Power’s Swindon above £6m.
Become a member today.
The Moonraker needs its community to support independent, high-quality coverage of Swindon Town. Subscribe to a monthly or annual package today to be a part of something special.
Already have an account?