SFA takes action on breaches of betting rules

The Scottish Football Association (SFA) has taken action against 14 players and coaches accused of breaching rules on betting in Scottish football.

UK.- The SFA has cited 14 football players and coaches for alleged breaches of betting rules in Scottish football.

Albion Rovers’ James McGowan and former Hamilton player Dougie Imrie – now manager of Morton – are among those who have been served notices by the SFA’s compliance officer.

The 14 face claims they broke rules on several occasions, with some alleged offences dating back as far as the 2011-12 season. They must attend disciplinary hearings in Hampden on February 11 and 18.

Elgin City’s Aiden Sopel, Conor O’Keefe, Darrly McHardy, Thomas McHale and Matthew Cooper have also been cited, along with Ashley Ballam of Strathspey Thistle, Bryan Gilfillan of Threave Rovers, Arbroath’s Gavin Swankie, Robert Scott of Deveronvale, Rabin Omar of Stirling Albion and Shane Sutherland of Inverness Caledonian Thistle.

Meanwhile, the Betting and Gaming Council continues to take steps to attempt to see off a possible ban on gaming sponsorship in UK sport.

Earlier this month it called on all gaming companies involved in sports sponsorship to ensure their sponsorship includes safer gambling messages.