Football Association of Wales investigate Port Talbot Town betting breach

THE Football Association of Wales are investigating an alleged breach of its betting and integrity rules concerning Port Talbot Town.

It follows a game on Saturday when relegated Rhyl – who had not won in 16 matches – beat Port Talbot 5-0 at home in the Welsh Premier. Rhyl’s previous win came back in October against Airbus UK.

Players in the Welsh Premier sign a declaration at the start of the season preventing them from placing money on the outcome of matches in the league and the FAW also employ a company called Sportradar to monitor matters.

Some reports suggested the investigation was sparked because of suspicious betting patterns but the FAW has denied that is the case.

An FAW statement read: “The Football Association of Wales (FAW) is currently investigating allegations in relation to an alleged breach of its Betting and Integrity Rules concerning Port Talbot Town Football Club.

“The FAW is liaising with the relevant authorities with regards to this matter and Port Talbot Town are co-operating with the investigation.

“Contrary to some media reports, the FAW would like to confirm that it is not investigating suspicious betting patterns concerning a Welsh Premier League match. At this stage, the investigation concerns a breach of the FAW’s Betting and Integrity Rules.”

A Port Talbot statement added: “The club have a zero tolerance policy when it comes to club officials and/or players participating in this kind of activity.

“We will be conducting a full and thorough investigation into the matter and will be co-operating with all relevant parties to ensure a correct resolution is achieved.”