PFAI fears betting crisis in League of Ireland dressing rooms

Stephen McGuinness says gambling has reached such distressing proportions in League of Ireland dressing rooms, that the Professional Footballers’ Association of Ireland (PFAI) had to pay for a player’s child’s Christmas presents last year.

The general secretary of the PFAI wants more support from the FAI and other organisations in tackling the issue.

McGuinness believes it is easier for professional footballers to admit they are alcoholics or suffer mental health problems than to talk about gambling addictions, with many fearing for their careers if they admit gambling issues.