Betting on any football games off limits for LOI players, warns League director Mark Scanlon

The FAI have warned League of Ireland players, ahead of the 2023 season, that they face sanction if they are found to have been betting on any football worldwide.

fter a number of high-profile incidents in the mid-2000s where League of Ireland players were given suspensions and fines for betting on games within the league, even if they did not take part in the game, a rule was brought in where footballers could not place bets on any games involving domestic football.

However, they could still gamble on the Premier League and other competitions.

But new FIFA regulations on gambling mean that from 2023 on, a clause in the Standard Player Contract for a footballer in the league makes it clear that any betting on any football is banned.

League director Mark Scanlon insists the new rule is essential to protect players as well as the game.

“I think it’s an important safeguard in the integrity of the game. The rule was brought in for a reason at the time and it’s one of those sacrifices when you’re a professional footballer that you’re making,” Scanlon said at a briefing at FAI headquarters ahead of the new season.

“You’re involved in the game at the highest level in a professional league and it’s just something you can’t do. It’s a good regulation and it’s clear and consistent across the board so there’s no grey area.

“It’s one that is very difficult to police with online betting. But I would be quite confident that with the education programme we’re rolling out and the work the PFAI are doing, we can educate the players on the work being done and why they need to stay away from betting.”