FAI to probe St Pat's betting claims
Friday, 7 November 2008 22:36The FAI has confirmed that it will carry out an investigation into suspected irregular betting patterns around recent St Patrick's Athletic fixtures.
The FAI has written to the Dublin club and a number of bookmakers asking that they share any information they might have to substantiate the suspicions raised by Saints.
A report this morning has claimed that players from St Pat's have been allegedly betting against themselves in recent games.
The allegations, made in the Irish Daily Mail, relate to recent defeats for Pat's against Cobh Ramblers and Galway United.
The games in question saw Pat's lose 3-0 at home to Cobh and 1-0 when they hosted Galway, both candidates for relegation.
The club's Chief Executive, Richard Sadlier, has revealed that he is 'extremly concerned' about the allegations and confirmed that he held a meeting with the players last night in connection with the report.
The club will be launching a full investigation into the claims and have declined to comment further until more details emerge.
Pat's are currently second in the eircom League of Ireland Premier Division table with two games left.
St Patrick's Athletic Chief Executive Richard Sadlier said in a statement on Friday: : 'Yesterday afternoon I learned that a national newspaper was running a story today linking St Pat's players with allegations of betting on two of our fixtures this season.
'I informed Fran Gavin, Director of the eircom league of Ireland that I would be looking into the matter, and sought advice from the local Gardai.
'While I would expect and hope there would be no truth behind such unsubstantiated rumours, I felt it would be irresponsible not to investigate the matter further.
'I informed the playing squad of these allegations yesterday evening and we will be seeking the full co-operation of the FAI in our effort to discover if any of our players were involved.'
