AFC Wimbledon Manager Wally Downes has been suspended by the League One club after the Football Association (FA) has issued charges for breaching betting rules.
Downes, who has managed Wimbledon since 2018, has been charged by the FA for Misconduct under FA Rule E1(b), after it was found that he had placed eight bets on matches taking place between 30 November 2013 and 12 July 2019.
In a statement on the club’s website, it explained: “Wally has been charged by the FA for misconduct in respect of eight bets placed on matches between 30 November 2013 and 12 July 2019.
“Given the seriousness of this breach in regulations, the club has decided to suspend Wally with immediate effect, giving time for the club and Dons Trust boards to look at the allegations more closely and make a further announcement in due course.
“Saturday’s match with Peterborough United will be managed by Glyn Hodges and the coaching staff.”
FA E8 rules on betting conduct prohibit FA registered athletes, match officials, club management, stewards and representatives from placing bets both directly or indirectly on football matches of any level.
The news of Downes’ suspension follows on from the FA decision to charge Leeds United midfielder Jordan Stevens after the player was found to be in breach of the governing body’s regulations on betting.
The player was found to be in breach of the FA Rule E8, after placing 59 bets placed by the midfielder during the 2018/19 season according to an FA spokesperson.