LONGFORD TOWN’S COLM James has been handed a 18-month ban for breaking a number of FAI rules with regard to match integrity.

The 29-year-old, who is on his second spell at the club having previously played with the likes of Bray Wanderers, Sporting Fingal and Shelbourne, has been charged as a result of a two-month investigation which involved the FAI, the Garda, UEFA and FIFA.

Rules 95, 99.1, 102.1, 102.2a, 102.2e, 102.2f of the FAI Rulebook, which involve bringing the game into disrepute, corruption and betting, were breached and in a statement released tonight, the FAI said:

“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.

“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.”

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