The Athlone Town saga has reached a new level.
Three charges have been brought against unnamed members of the club following a First Division clash against Longford Town earlier this season.
In early May, the FAI confirmed they had launched an investigation into the April 29th match, following notification from UEFA about suspicious betting patterns.
Longford Town won that game 3-1. Enda Curran scored a hat-trick for the home side. His last goal came in the final minutes of the game.
The FAI interviewed members of the Athlone Town staff, their players and also club officials after the investigation was made public. Since then, the club have continued playing matches in the First Division, but Saturday's statement adds fresh uncertainty to the club's future.
The Football Association of Ireland can confirm that charges have been brought against members of Athlone Town AFC as part of the investigation launched following the receipt of a detailed report from UEFA.
The charges have been brought under the FAI Rules:
- Rule 99: Bringing the Game into Disrepute
- Rule 105: Manipulating Matches
- Rule 106: Betting / GamblingA hearing with the Independent Disciplinary Committee will take place on August 3.
Manipulating Matches is the most serious of the three charges. According to the FAI Rule Book, the disciplinary body can "impose a ban on taking part in any football-related activity; in serious cases this sanction shall apply for life."
Athlone currently lie in seventh place in the First Division, three points clear of bottom side Wexford. They play their next game against Cabinteely on Friday evening in the Athlone Town Stadium.
