FA match-fixing investigation hits a dead end

The match-fixing investigation being conducted by the Football Association has come to a hault. Football clubs Norwich City and Derby County were linked to possible match fixing suspected due to suspicious betting trends in the Asian gambling markets.

According to the Guardian, Singapore based SBOBET and IBCBET have refused to release information regarding match betting information requested by the FA, which included the names of individuals who placed bets. The betting companies feel that it does not respect the privacy of the betters. Since these companies are not under the jurisdiction of the FA, there is little they can do about it. The companies themselves have not been suspected in the matter.

Both clubs involved and all British and European gambling companies have cooperated and responded to the inquiries. The clubs have not been found to be linked to the betting pattern, but the matter has yet to be put to rest.

The Football Association will hold a meeting to examine referee issues, but this may stir controversy among club managers.