European Commission Reviewing Funding Of EPL Swansea's Liberty Stadium

A deal allowing EPL side Swansea and the "Ospreys rugby region to play at the Liberty Stadium is being investigated by the European Commission," according to the BBC. Swansea's council has been "asked to give details over funding arrangements at the council-owned stadium." The EC is "carrying out a Europe-wide investigation into state aid in sport." State aid rules, "policed by the commission, limit how much public money can be given to private companies." Following a "freedom of information request to the council, it confirmed questions had been raised about the agreement and whether it complied with state aid regulations." A Swansea council spokesperson said, "The European Commission has asked us a number of questions in relation to the Liberty Stadium and currently we are in dialogue with them, as are a large number of sports clubs from across Europe." If it is "proved that the use of the Liberty Stadium breaks European law, then both clubs could face having to pay back money, plus interest" (BBC, 12/31).