The NOTW: Soccer's governing body is furious that both Premier League giants are by-passing stringent Home Office rules to sign the cream of African soccer.
United and Arsenal are avoiding massive passport and work permit red-tape by shipping foreign teenagers to clubs in Belgium where they play for two years to qualify for EU citizenship.
Then they officially become EU players and can be fast-tracked into the Highbury or Old Trafford first-team squads.
But a FIFA spokesman blasted: "We condemn sending young players away just for Arsenal or Manchester United's own benefit."
Gunners boss Wenger has first option on seven Ivory Coast players at Beveren, while United chief Fergie has just signed two 18-year-old African sensations and placed them on loan at their feeder club Royal Antwerp. The spokesman added: "Technically they are doing nothing wrong but, morally, are they right to send players away for two years purely so they can gain a European nationality?
"They are not breaking any laws but maybe it's something the government should look into.”
Although FIFA have blasted the ingenious masterplan, a Home Office spokesman revealed: "There is nothing illegal about what Arsenal and Manchester United are doing.
"They have obviously been very clever about it-although I wouldn't describe it as exploiting a loop-hole.
"They are doing nothing wrong-they are just being very clever.
"We are committed to the European Union which allows EU nationals free movement in those countries.”
And a quote from Egyptian-born Abdulrahman Hussain who plays at Antwerp:
“I signed a five year contract at Old Trafford but was not eligible to play.
“I was at United for a month before they sent me on loan to Antwerp, because I am allowed to play there.
“If I keep on making progress in the first team at Antwerp, then I perhaps will make it to the first team at United. I have got the time. I am only 18.”