Four AFL players face gambling probe
The AFL could enforce its strict anti-gambling policy for the first time,
with four players now under investigation. The league issued a media release
tonight, saying "it was investigating four players for betting on AFL
matches or events" This is the first time the league has investigated a
possible breach of its gambling rules.
The AFL formulated its policy earlier this decade and its penalties include
a fine of up to $100,000. If found guilty, a player could also face an
indefinite ban from competition or even attending AFL games. "The AFL
regulations and standard player contract both clearly outline all players
and officials responsibilities in regard to gambling, as a core issue for
the integrity of the game," AFL operations manager Adrian Anderson said in
the league statement. He has appointed AFL investigators Allan Roberts and
Bill Kneebone to look into the allegations. The league would not say how it
became aware of the matter. The statement added: "Mr Anderson said there was
no suggestion any player had bet against his side winning." But it did not
rule out altogether that one or more players under investigation had bet on
their own sides. AFL betting also covers aspects of the game such as where a
team finishes at the end of the season, plus possessions and goals.
It is understood the four players are not from the same club. The AFL
expects Roberts and Kneebone to complete the investigation within the next
fortnight. All players and club officials are banned from betting on AFL
matches or events, such as the Brownlow Medal. The gambling rule also
expressly forbids players from not performing on their merits "in any match
for any reason whatsoever".
with four players now under investigation. The league issued a media release
tonight, saying "it was investigating four players for betting on AFL
matches or events" This is the first time the league has investigated a
possible breach of its gambling rules.
The AFL formulated its policy earlier this decade and its penalties include
a fine of up to $100,000. If found guilty, a player could also face an
indefinite ban from competition or even attending AFL games. "The AFL
regulations and standard player contract both clearly outline all players
and officials responsibilities in regard to gambling, as a core issue for
the integrity of the game," AFL operations manager Adrian Anderson said in
the league statement. He has appointed AFL investigators Allan Roberts and
Bill Kneebone to look into the allegations. The league would not say how it
became aware of the matter. The statement added: "Mr Anderson said there was
no suggestion any player had bet against his side winning." But it did not
rule out altogether that one or more players under investigation had bet on
their own sides. AFL betting also covers aspects of the game such as where a
team finishes at the end of the season, plus possessions and goals.
It is understood the four players are not from the same club. The AFL
expects Roberts and Kneebone to complete the investigation within the next
fortnight. All players and club officials are banned from betting on AFL
matches or events, such as the Brownlow Medal. The gambling rule also
expressly forbids players from not performing on their merits "in any match
for any reason whatsoever".
<< Home