Colm James, last with Longford Town, has been suspended for 18 months after being found guilty of 6 breaches of the FAI's rules relating to match integrity. James, who turns 30 next month, joined Longford before the 2012 season for his second spell with the club. He has previously played for Bray Wanderers, Galway United, Sporting Fingal and Shelbourne in the Airtricity League.
The FAI statement reads
"The FAI Disciplinary Committee has banned a Longford Town player from all football-related activities for 18 months after he was found guilty on six counts of breaching FAI Rules associated with match integrity. The player has the right of appeal under FAI Rule 158.
Following a two month detailed investigation involving UEFA, FIFA and An Garda Síochána, the FAI’s Disciplinary Regulations Officer brought a case against the player to the FAI Disciplinary Committee.
After hearing evidence from both sides, the FAI Disciplinary Committee found the Longford Town FC player had breached FAI Rules 95, 99.1, 102.1, 102.2a, 102.2e, 102.2f.
This decision has been made with reference to sporting rules and procedures only. Any other action which may be taken is a matter for statutory authorities."
The good people at Extratime.ie have published the specific rules here but they all relate to attempted match fixing and betting. The investigation was launched in April this year after Longford Town brought the matter to the FAI. The FAI's last line have stresses that his punishment relates to footballing activities only and is seperate to any Garda investigation.
