Athlone Town pledge full co-operation with FAI betting probe
Credit: Michael P Ryan (ETPhotos)
Athlone Town's board and management committee have confirmed they will 'be fully co-operating' with an investigation into potential breaches of FAI rules.
The association announced on Wednesday evening that they were launching a probe into alleged 'irregular betting patterns' around the First Division game with Longford Town on Saturday, April 29th.
Athlone lost the match 3-1.
The latest action came about after the FAI were contacted by UEFA on Tuesday, May 2nd, and presented 'analysis which demonstrated the irregular betting patterns on international markets.'
According to the statement, the association has been monitoring the situation at Athlone since receiving information from UEFA before the season started.
The club responded with their own statement that iterated that it 'absolutely abhors match fixing and would never knowingly get involved in such unacceptable activity.'
FAI statement in full:
The Football Association of Ireland has launched an investigation into Athlone Town AFC regarding potential breaches of FAI rules.
A detailed report has been received from UEFA highlighting irregular betting patterns around the club's SSE Airtricity League First Division game with Longford Town on Saturday, April 29.
In its report to the FAI, which was received on Tuesday, May 2, UEFA presented analysis which demonstrated the irregular betting patterns on international markets.
The FAI has opened an investigation on the matter and a copy of UEFA's report has been submitted to An Garda Siochana
The FAI has written to both clubs involved in the fixture
Interviews will take place with players, coaches and officials of Athlone Town AFC commencing Monday, May 8
If the investigation determines a breach of FAI rules, charges will be issued and the matter will be heard by the FAI Disciplinary Committee, in accordance with FAI rules
The FAI has been monitoring the club since it received information from UEFA following an inquiry by FAI Competitions Director, Fran Gavin, prior to the start of the 2017 season
The FAI remains in regular contact with UEFA and will be seeking further information
On March 29, Mr Gavin delivered an Integrity Workshop presentation to the Athlone Town AFC senior squad and coaches on the prevention of match-fixing and betting, in his role as FAI Integrity Officer
Athlone Town statement in full:
The board and the management committee of Athlone Town AFC are absolutely shocked by the contents of documentation forwarded to us by the FAI and UEFA concerning out recent First Division game against Longford Town.
The club absolutely abhors match fixing and would never knowingly get involved in such unacceptable activity.
The club will be fully co-operating with those conducting the investigation, and look forward to meeting with FAI officials next week.
Should any of the allegations be upheld the club will take action against any wrongdoers.
The club will not be commenting any further on the matter until the investigation has been completed.
