Why has Gareth Barry been charged by FA, what punishment could ex-Everton, Man City and Aston Villa man face?

Former Everton midfielder Gareth Barry has been charged by the FA over alleged breaches of intermediary regulations.

An FA statement says that Barry, 40, has broken rules over working with intermediaries and "in relation to the ownership and/or funding of Swindon Town".

Background?

In May, the BBC reported that a High Court judgement involving the League Two outfit's former chairman Lee Power claimed Barry invested £800,000 into the Robins in 2013.

Barry refuted the accusations and said he gave the money to his agent, Michael Standing, to help fund the purchase of the club.

FA regulations state agents are not allowed to own football clubs due to a potential conflict of interest.

During the time of Power's full acquisition of Swindon in December 2013, Barry was on loan at Everton from Manchester City.

He moved to Goodison permanently the following summer and made 155 appearances for the Toffees in total, scoring five goals.

What's been said?

An FA statement on Tuesday evening said: “Further to the existing proceedings against Swindon Town FC, Lee Power, First Touch Pro Management and Michael Standing, The FA has also now charged Gareth Barry in relation to breaches of The FA’s Regulations on Working with Intermediaries.

“It is alleged that Gareth Barry also breached Intermediary Regulations in relation to the ownership and/or funding of Swindon Town FC.

“Swindon Town FC, Lee Power, First Touch Pro Management, Michael Standing and Gareth Barry all have until Wednesday 1 December 2021 to provide responses to their respective charges.”

What could be Barry's punishment?

Barry - who’s the Premier League’s all-time record appearance making on 653 outings, having also represented Aston Villa and West Brom - now has two weeks to appeal the charge.

Should he be found guilty, the FA may opt to take some sort of action.

It could lead to a ban or suspension from football activity.