An Independent Appeal Disciplinary Committee has rejected appeals from two Athlone Town players found guilty of match manipulation, the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) has announced. On 7 September last year, former players Igors Labuts and Dragos Sfrijan were found to have breached Rule 99, Bringing the Game into Disrepute; Rule 105, Manipulating Matches; and Rule 106, Betting/Gambling. They were both issued with a 12 month ban. 

The FAI began an investigation after receiving information from the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) in May 2016 that games involving the club warranted investigation. It is understood that UEFA’s concerns were sparked after a new investor (Callaview Limited) brought new players to the club who had previously been involved in matches scrutinised by UEFA. 

It is understood that the Professional Footballers Association of Ireland (PFAI) is supporting an attempt by Labuts to clear his name, after previously alleging foul play on the part of the FAI. The PFAI has also said that it would support any appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).