South Wales Police has today arrested 10 people relating to allegations of match fixing of a Welsh Premier League fixture involving Port Talbot Town Football Club.
Seven men and three women were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to defraud as part of an ongoing investigation by South Wales Police Force’s Economic Crime Unit, they are all currently in police custody.
South Wales Police commenced an investigation after receiving information from the Football Association of Wales and the Gambling Commission’s Sports Betting Intelligence Unit about betting patterns on the match between Port Talbot Town and Rhyl played on 9th April 2016.
The matter had initially been referred to the Gambling Commission by the Football Association of Wales.
Football Association of Wales Chief Executive, Jonathan Ford said: “These arrests are as result of a thorough process of evidence gathering and close co-operation between the FAW, South Wales Police and the Gambling Commission.
“The FAW remains committed to our Integrity Education Programme which began in 2014, as well as the monitoring and reporting systems we have in place which have contributed to these arrests.
“The FAW will not bring any sporting sanctions against any individuals while the police investigation is ongoing.”
Richard Watson, Gambling Commission programme director, said: “The Gambling Commission Sports Betting Intelligence Unit (SBIU) provided information to South Wales Police concerning betting patterns seen on a Welsh Premier League fixture between Rhyl and Port Talbot Town. The SBIU will continue to support all sports governing bodies, law enforcement agencies, betting operators and other regulators in a collaborative effort to address issues of betting integrity.”
Due to the ongoing nature of the criminal investigation it is inappropriate to comment further at this time.
Details of those arrested:
• A 23 year old man from Port Talbot
• A 20 year old man from Swansea
• A 35 year old man from Swansea
• A 33 year old woman from Swansea
• A 48 year old man from Swansea
• A 21 year old man from Swansea
• A 43 year old woman from Swansea
• A 27 year old man from Swansea
• A 28 year old woman from Port Talbot
• A 28 year old man from Neath.
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