Scholes charged by FA for breaking betting rules
The former Manchester United midfielder allegedly placed bets over a four-year period while he was a co-owner of Salford City Football Club.
Manchester United legend Paul Scholes has been charged with misconduct for allegedly breaching Football Association rules on betting.
The ex-England midfielder has been accused of placing 140 bets on football games over a four-year period between 17 August 2015 and 12 January 2019.
During this period, Scholes was co-owner of Salford City F.C. along with former Manchester United team mates, Gary and Phil Neville, Ryan Giggs, Nicky Butt and David Beckham – the so-called Class of 92’. The 44-year-old continues to hold a 10-percent stake in the club.
Scholes managed League Two club Oldham Athletic for 31 days between February and March this year, but has not been accused of betting during this period. He has also not been accused of betting specifically on Salford games during the four-year period in question.
Scholes has until April 26 to respond to FA
The FA has a strict ban on betting for those working in the game, from the players and managers, to the match officials and club staff. Breaches of betting rules “can lead to financial penalties, suspensions, and in some instances, lifetime bans”, as stated on the organisation’s website
“The rule of thumb is that if you work in football you cannot bet on football,” an FA spokesman told The Guardian. “It doesn’t matter if it is a bet on a different club or a different country. If you are a participant in football all bets are off.”
Scholes has until 26 April to respond the FA charge and at this moment it is unknown what kind of sanction could be imposed on the former United player.