An independent Regulatory Commission handed Lake a 12-month ban from all football and related activities, with three months of immediate suspension and the remaining nine months suspended until the conclusion of the 2024/25 season, in addition to the fine.

The FA contested the Regulatory Commission’s decision, deeming it unreasonable and overly lenient. Originally, the FA had outlined a potential ban ranging from six months to life, considering the gravity of the charges, particularly Lake’s bets on his own team to lose.

Furthermore, the FA highlighted Lake’s influential position and the potential risk his actions posed to players and other club staff.

Following an appeal, an independent Appeal Board found the nine-month suspension deferral to be excessively lenient and replaced it with a full 12-month suspension, effective from March 25, 2024.

Lake has been associated with Swansea since 2004, assuming the role of player liaison officer in 2007.

Betting Breaches Details

• Between April 2018 and September 2023, Lake placed 2,476 football-related bets.
• 130 of these bets were on Swansea City FC (SCFC) to lose.
• Lake staked a total of nearly £92,000.
• Losses were less than 10% of wagered amount.

Player Betting Offences

The FA has suspended a Swansea FC staff member for betting breaches, marking the latest case in a series of alleged betting violations currently under investigation.

Earlier this week, West Ham United’s Lucas Paqueta was charged with misconduct for alleged breaches of FA Rules E5 and F3. Paqueta faces four charges under FA Rule E5.1, related to his conduct during Premier League matches against Leicester City on November 12, 2022; Aston Villa on March 12, 2023; Leeds United on May 21, 2023; and AFC Bournemouth on August 12, 2023. He is accused of intentionally seeking to influence various aspects of these matches by aiming to receive a card from the referee, thereby affecting the betting market and enabling individuals to profit from these bets.

Additionally, on May 2nd, an independent Regulatory Commission sanctioned Newcastle United’s Sandro Tonali for misconduct related to The FA’s Betting Rules. Tonali was charged with 50 breaches of FA Rule E8 for placing bets on football matches between August 12, 2023, and October 12, 2023, which he admitted. The commission imposed a two-month suspension from all football and football-related activities, suspended until the end of the 2024/25 season pending any further breaches. Tonali was also fined £20,000 and issued a warning.

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