Posted this in this weeks games thread, from twitter, Athlone fans:
For those who thought the distaste for the PFAI wasn't just typically Irish reactionary bile, here's a nice slice of prejudice thrown in. Point proven.Originally Posted by Spudulika
A leading authority on League of Ireland football since 2003. You're probably wrong.
AIRTRICITY League director Fran Gavin insists that an illegal betting ring based abroad triggered the incident which resulted in an 18-month ban being imposed on Colm James.
The Longford Town midfielder last week received the record suspension from football in Ireland for offences relating to "bringing the game into disrepute, corruption and betting/gambling".
Monday's deadline passed without the player lodging an appeal.
Although their investigation showed no evidence of any match being actually rigged, the FAI are adamant that a "network" was being assembled to influence the outcome of at least one fixture.
"It was the most detailed and the longest investigation that we've had into any disciplinary issue in the league," explained Gavin.
"We interviewed over 50 people during several weeks and we strongly believe that there was a group involved in approaching the player from outside our jurisdiction.
"We have no evidence that any matches were fixed, but we think there was an attempt to set up a network to try and get games fixed. So, from our point of view, it was definitely an attack on the integrity of the league."
Gavin hopes the lengthy ban, which will likely end the League of Ireland career of 29-year-old James, acts as a deterrent to any others considering acting outside the rules.
Still, with wages in the league vastly reduced over recent years, he recognises that the opportunity for players to net a quick earner exists.
"We've addressed the situation in our rules," he said. "We've made it clear that if someone is approached at any stage, they're obliged to report it so that it's addressed. There are serious consequences for anybody involved in it.
"Look, the temptation is there. It is greater with the less money people have and the more financial trouble they get into.
"We're in very tight times at the moment, so when people dangle something like this in front of a player or an official, they think about things like that.
"But there's a time when you make a decision – yes or no. It's important that we make sure everybody knows that, if you make the wrong decision, then we're going to come after you with everything."
Lets talk about six baby
Hope he got clearance from the judicial system to make such comments, given we've been told a gardia investigation is also taking place.
Article title should be
"Gavin lauds FAI stance on corruption from behind elephant in room."
? Lost in space there.
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