I am not quite sure that there is any suggestion on here that there is any question as to the legality or otherwise of the share purchase. As some have stated you can buy shares on behalf of another etc etc. It’s not what company law says or indeed what if any tax implications exist it’s about football regulations and in particular in the area of fit and proper person tests
The issue revolves mainly around two issues which to a degree are linked.
Usmanov through Red and White Holdings now own in excess of 30% of the share capital in Arsenal.That level of shareholding excludes him from having any input either himself or anyone that is linked with him in any way where the FA believe that he can exert influence.
I have no idea how Red and White Holdings was initially financed or indeed where funds came from as that entity continued to increase is share holding in Arsenal but I copy below an extract of FA Cup rules which are mirrored in both the FA and PL rules
For the purposes of this clause, a club or person, or associate of that person, shall be deemed to be interested in a club if that club, person or associate: (i) Holds or deals in (or has made any application to hold or deal in or underwrite any issue of) the securities or shares of that club; or (iii) Is involved in any capacity whatsoever in the management or administration of that club; or (iv) Has any power whatsoever to influence the financial, commercial or business affairs or the management or administration of that club; or (v) Has lent money to or guaranteed the debts or obligations of that club, otherwise than in the ordinary course of banking at arm’s length.
(e) For the purposes of this clause, an associate of a person shall be deemed to be: (i) Anyone of a close relationship with that person who, in the opinion of the Professional Game Board, is or is likely to be acting with that person; or (iii) Any person who is an employee or partner of that person or is in close relationship with any such employee or partner.