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Football: Betting

Volume 481: debated on Monday 20 October 2008

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what discussions he has had with the Football Association in respect of recent allegations of match-fixing and unusual betting activity on a Football League Championship match. (228104)

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what discussions he has had with the Football Association on allegations of match-fixing and unusual betting activity involving the Norwich City versus Derby County Football League Championship match on 4 October. (228289)

I have not had any discussions with the Football Association (FA) in respect of the recent allegations of match fixing and unusual betting activity on the Norwich City versus Derby County Football League Championship match on 4 October.

The Government take any allegations relating to the integrity of sport seriously. The Gambling Act 2005 introduced tough new penalties to keep gambling free from crime and corruption. In particular it brought in the offence of cheating at gambling where any person found guilty faces a maximum prison sentence of two years.

I am aware that the allegations have been reported to the FA and the Gambling Commission.

The FA is investigating whether there is any substance to the allegations and the Gambling Commission is supporting the FA in its inquiries. It would not be appropriate to comment further on any case that may result in prosecution.