10 arrested for alleged match fixing in Welsh Premier League

South Wales Police has arrested 10 people in relation to allegations that a Welsh Premier League fixture involving Port Talbot Town Football Club was fixed.

Seven men and three women are currently in police custody, charged with conspiracy to defraud. Only two of those involved are from Port Talbot, with seven from Swansea and a 28-year-old man from Neath.

The case had initially been referred to the Gambling Commission by the Football Association of Wales (FAW). The police then started the investigation after receiving information from both the FAW and the Gambling Commission’s Sports Betting Intelligence Unit (SBIU) about the betting patterns on Port Talbot’s match with Rhyl on April 9, 2016.

Jonathan Ford, Football Association of Wales Chief Executive, 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. We 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.”