Dave Whelan: Wigan owner given six-week ban and fine by the FA

Wigan owner Dave Whelan has been given a £50,000 fine and six-week ban from football-related activities for his comments on Jewish and Chinese people.

Last month, Whelan accepted a charge but denied making racist remarks.

The 78-year-old had requested a non-personal hearing from the Football Association who gave the punishment.

However, the FA Disciplinary Commission said it was "satisfied" that Whelan "is not a racist" and did not intend to cause offence by his comments.

helan, who has seven days in which to appeal,

must also complete a programme of education provided by the FA.

He has said he was misquoted in an interview with the Guardian last month, during which he used the term "chink". The Guardian also reports that the businessman said: "Jewish people chase money more than everybody else."

Whelan subsequently apologised for any offence caused by his comments, in which he was defending the appointment of Malky Mackay as the club's new manager.

Mackay is currently under investigation by the FA regarding allegations the Wigan boss sent "sexist, racist and homophobic" text messages during his time in charge at Cardiff.

"It is understood Wigan have strongly advised Whelan not to appeal against his punishment. The Latics do not feel the ban affects their business because the owner is not involved in the day-to-day running of the club. It is understood he is not involved in transfers and is not a signatory on deals, limiting the impact of this on the January transfer window."

Earlier this month, the FA ruled Whelan's comments constituted an aggravated breach of rule E3[1] in that his comments were "abusive and/or insulting and/or constitute improper conduct and/or bring the game into disrepute".