Following scandals involving a very small minority of players, from the start of this season no player, manager or club official in the professional game or from Step 4 or above in the non-league system is allowed to bet directly or indirectly on any football match or competition.
This is not just in their own league but any market including results, transfers, team selection, employment of managers, bet in play etc. The rules that were in force before August 1st excluded any player or official of a club from betting in any competition in which the club participated.
Following scandals involving a very small minority of players, from the start of this season no player, manager or club official in the professional game or from Step 4 or above in the non-league system is allowed to bet directly or indirectly on any football match or competition.
This is not just in their own league but any market including results, transfers, team selection, employment of managers, bet in play etc. The rules that were in force before August 1st excluded any player or official of a club from betting in any competition in which the club participated.
There is an interesting issue here about who qualifies as a ‘club official’ in non-league clubs. The chairman of my non-league club commented in last Saturday’s programme that his interpretation was that the ban was one that included ‘volunteers who may perform roles such as turnstile operators, stewards etc. All clubs will have to develop policies with regard to these matters but it will be interesting to see how things progress with regard to volunteers.’
He added, ‘I can see many individuals getting themselves into trouble through social media and this is going to be a learning curve for all of us.’
Indeed it will be. The bloke who makes tea and coffee for us at half time in our vice-presidents’ lounge enjoys a bet. Does this mean we will have to find someone else to make the tea and coffee?
A broad interpretation of these rules could hit the betting industry. Some common sense is needed in their interpretation. I don’t want to miss out on my half time cup of tea!