The Club have received notice that following an investigation by the FA, Ollie has received a 4 month ban and a fine for contravening FA Rule E8 (Betting).
In recent times the FA’s Legal Department have been conducting investigations into contraventions of Rule E8 and have been concentrating on Clubs in the non-league pyramid. To our knowledge at least 4 other clubs in our division have had players investigated.
The primary reason for Rule E8 is to protect the integrity of the game from potential corruption and ‘match-fixing’, which is an intention and objective that Taunton Town FC wholeheartedly and completely supports.
Ollie acknowledges the situation and has made the following statement “I wish to apologise to the Club and of course my family for any problems caused by my actions. I have learned a difficult lesson and am very grateful for the support of those around me for their help and encouragement at this time. I hope that from this situation I may be able to help others who find themselves in a similar situation in the future”
Taunton Town FC does not condone any contravention of any FA rule and agrees that those guilty need to be punished in line with the penalties set out in the rules.
However, Taunton Town FC also takes its responsibilities towards the welfare of its players and other Club members very seriously whatever the circumstances and will provide appropriate and suitable personal support and advice to the individuals involved.