Fine and suspension for Crewe players after match betting hearing
Five fined for bringing game into disrepute
Five players from Mid-Ulster League side Crewe United have been fined and suspended after an IFA hearing into match betting.
They have been charged with bringing the game into disrepute in relation to bets placed on their game against Warrenpoint Town in February.
Crewe lost 5-0.
In a statement the IFA’s Discipinary Committee said it was sanctioning each individual with a fine of £400.
And they have been suspended from all football activity until May 31 next year.
The statement said: “Yesterday evening (12 April) the Irish Football Association’s Disciplinary Committee heard from a representative of Crewe United, together with the five players charged with bringing the game into disrepute, in relation to bets placed on their match against Warrenpoint Town on 4 February 2017.
“Prior to the hearing all players admitted to a breach of Article 17 of the Articles of Association, however their case was that all five players had acted independently in placing bets.
“The members of the committee, having considered the written and oral submissions from the club and the players concerned, were not convinced that the players had acted independently and feel that the IFA rules in relation to betting are clear.
“As a result the committee decided to sanction each player with a fine of £400 and impose a suspension from all affiliated football until 31 May 2018.
“Should the fine remain outstanding at this time the suspension shall continue until the fine is paid in full. The suspension will commence on Monday 17 April 2017.
“The committee wishes to express its concern at the negative impact betting on games can have on the game and urges all clubs, officials and players to familiarise themselves with the rules and regulations in relation to football.
“The players have the right of appeal under Article 14 of the Articles of Association.”