SBC News Voice of the Sports Betting Industry
The FA has embarked on an education and awareness drive as its newly strengthened betting rules come into force ahead of the 2014-15 season.
As from this month, players, managers, club employees and match officials are not allowed to place any bet on any football matter. This includes not just domestic matches and competitions in England but any football worldwide.
This does not just apply to the results of games, competitions or events that take place in them, it also covers other football events such as manager appointments and player transfers.
These rules apply to bets made in person, online, on the telephone or with friends. Participants are also not allowed to instruct any third party to place any bet on their behalf.
The rule change, which applies specifically to the top eight tiers of English football, follows consultation across the game and in agreement with the Premier League, Football League, Professional Footballers’ Association, League Managers’ Association and Football Conference.
Previously, participants were prohibited from betting on a match or competition in which they were involved or could influence. This restriction will be retained for those involved with clubs playing below Step 4 of the National League System, three levels below the Conference and match officials participating below Level 3. These are the only participants who will not be subject to the worldwide ban.
As well as visiting clubs across the country to talk players, management and employees through the changes, The FA has also produced educational films on betting, inside information and match fixing along with literature, from posters to leaflets, to help remove any ambiguity and ensure the message is understood.
To further highlight the importance of protecting the game’s integrity, The FA has also enlisted the support of former Italian footballer and now Aston Villa Academy Coach Simone Farina, who in 2011 played a key role in stopping a match-fixing attempt whilst playing for Serie B club Gubbio.
Darren Bailey, The FA’s Director of Football Governance and Regulation, said: “The FA constantly evaluates its rules and regulations in consultation across English football to ensure they meet the needs of the modern game.This betting rule change to encompass all aspects of world football provides a simple, clear and straightforward message to all participants concerned, on where the line is drawn.
“It is important to stress the rules form only one part of our overall framework for the regulation of betting and maintaining the integrity of the English game. In addition to the monitoring of betting markets throughout the world, we continue to build on previous education programmes and communicate with all levels of the game.
“In doing so, we will further stress the collective responsibility that all those involved have in upholding the integrity of football in England.”
