FFA sanctions two NSW registered junior coaches over betting
Football Federation Australia (FFA) has determined to sanction two NSW registered junior coaches for betting on football matches in breach of the FFA National Code of Conduct.
The breaches included betting on matches involving their own Sony PS4 National Premier Leagues (NPL) club, including in some cases to lose, as well as other NPL matches and Hyundai A-League matches.
The sanction is a $1,000 fine payable now with a suspended fine of $5,000, payable in the event of another breach. The bets were placed during the 2015 NPL season and across multiple Hyundai A-League seasons.
FFA CEO David Gallop said FFA was making the latest Code of Conduct breach public as a general reminder to registered football participants, who may not be aware of the prohibition on wagering.
“Under FIFA’s statutes, registered players, coaches, referees and club officials are not allowed to bet on football matches anywhere,” said Gallop.
“The FFA National Code of Conduct reflects the FIFA statutes. While the statutes do not differentiate between betting on your own local club or an overseas club, there’s a much higher integrity risk when bets are placed on matches where the participant has a direct connection.
“The integrity of football matches at all levels is paramount. Betting on matches is a legal activity, but it must have the safeguards of thorough regulation.”
Football NSW CEO Eddie Moore said that registered participants and club aministrators in the NPL were given regular reminders about the betting prohibition.
“NPL matchday newsletters and digital channels carry information on the Code of Conduct,” said Moore. “The ban on betting is very clear.
“In June last year a participant was given a $1,000 suspended fine and we used that incident to raise awareness. The publication of the sanctions on these two registered junior coaches is another opportunity to warn the football community about the issue.”
The NSW participants have a right of appeal under the Code of Conduct to FFA’s independent Disciplinary and Ethics Committee.
The FFA National Code of Conduct contains the following prohibition;
BETTING, MATCH-FIXING AND CORRUPTION
4.1 A Member must not engage, directly or indirectly, in:
(a) any bet, wager, gamble or any other form of financial speculation where the relevant person stands to win or gain from the win, draw or loss of any Club competing in a Match;
(b) the throwing or fixing of a Match; or
(c) any conduct or behaviour intended to unfairly affect the result of a Match, including accepting or agreeing to accept any Benefit connected with or relating to the ability of a Member to exercise control over or influence the outcome of a Match so as to bring about a result other than that which would be achieved in a fair contest between the competing teams.
The full National Code of Conduct can be viewed at: www.footballaustralia.com.au/about/statutes-and-regulations
