McGlynn names himself as player in FAI probe into match betting

LEAGUE OF IRELAND NEWS:BOHEMIANS MIDFIELDER Gareth McGlynn has identified himself as the former Derry City player being investigated by the FAI for breaking the association's rules on gambling on the domestic game.

In a statement released through the PFAI last night, McGlynn said he was not aware of the “full text of Rule 100” and insisted he did not break “the spirit of the rule” when betting on four games he had no involvement in, or influence over.

Yesterday afternoon, the FAI announced it had postponed a disciplinary hearing into the matter, but did not identify McGlynn or another individual involved with Derry City at the time.

McGlynn last night said he was “disappointed” the FAI made the statement “when a hearing into the matter will not take place until April 16th”. He decided it was necessary to clarify his position because of the “inevitable speculation and rumour that will follow” the FAI statement.

McGlynn listed the four games he bet on as Cork v Wexford Youths (August 25th, 2008), Dundalk v Sligo Rovers (May 29th, 2009), St Patrick’s Athletic v Bray (May 29th, 2009) and Kildare v Longford (June 5th, 2009).

The 27-year-old, who played for Derry City from 2000 to 2009, added it is “patently clear” he had had no influence over the four games.

“I accept that the placing of these bets represents a technical breach of Rule 100. However, I say that I have not broken the spirit of the rule and I had no more advantage or knowledge than the average punter.

“This is proven by the negative results. It is also worth noting that the bets were placed through a Betfair account which is an entirely transparent process.

“I sincerely regret my misunderstanding of the rule but it was an entirely genuine mistake and I am confident that the FAI disciplinary committee will take this into account when considering the issue,” he concluded.