Clubs charged over tickets

The tickets were for games at Wembley

Leeds United and Ipswich have been charged with misconduct by the Football Association.

The decision follows an investigation into black market tickets for England matches.

Wembley National Stadium, in co-operation with the FA and the Metropolitan Police, uncovered tickets being sold at above face value as part of unauthorised corporate hospitality packages.

A small number of these tickets were traced back to allocations given to Leeds and Ipswich by the FA.

Ticket trouble

Leeds charged over England versus Scotland in November 1999

Ipswich to answer charge over Argentina friendly in February 2000

The FA say both clubs co-operated fully with the resulting inquiry. They have 14 days to respond to the charge.

Leeds and Ipswich had originally sold the tickets at face value. However, under FA rules they remain responsible if the tickets are subsequently sold above face value.

The Elland Road club have been charged with misconduct in connection with the handling of 10 tickets for the England v Scotland Euro 2000 play-off game last November.

Chairman Peter Ridsdale said: "The individuals concerned have been identified and will not be allocated any tickets in future."

Ipswich have been charged in relation to two tickets for the England v Argentina game in February.

"All clubs have the opportunity to apply for a small number of tickets for international matches," explained Ipswich chairman David Sheepshanks.

"I am very disappointed that one individual has breached the confidence shown by the club which has resulted in their embarrassment of this charge being brought.

"We know the identity of the person concerned and appropriate action has been taken."

It is not suggested by the FA that crowd segregation was compromised in either case.