Athlone slam FAI fixing probe as ‘witch-hunt’

After the Professional Footballers’ Association of Ireland (PFAI) last weekend slammed the FAI’s decision to bring charges against four members of Athlone Town, yesterday it was the club’s turn to outline why they believe a probe around alleged match-fixing has developed into a “witch-hunt”.

The First Division club, which denies any wrongdoing surrounding the claims which first became official in May when the FAI instigated an investigation on foot of information from Uefa, insist they have suffered reputational damage from the episode, including the withdrawal of their main sponsor.

In a lengthy statement, running to almost 2,000 words, the club confirm that only two of their players were charged with matters relating to match-fixing arising from the game against Longford Town on 29 April.