5 players charged with breaches of The FA's rules on betting in football

The majority of these charges relate to bets placed on an end-of-season match between Accrington Stanley and Bury played on 3 May 2008. Betting companies in the North-West had reported unusual betting patterns in the lead-up to the match with higher than usual amounts being staked in particular areas of the country.

Four of those charged – Jay Harris, David Mannix, Robert Williams and Peter Cavanagh – were registered with Accrington Stanley at the time of the game while Andrew Mangan was registered with Bury. Both Harris and Cavanagh played in the game.

All five are alleged to have placed bets on Bury to win this match. Mannix is alleged to have placed stakes to the value of approximately £4,000; Mangan £3,500; Harris £2,000; Williams £1,000; and Cavanagh on a £5 accumulator.

In addition, Harris, now registered with Chester City, has been charged in relation to betting on a game involving his new club and another two League Two fixtures. Cavanagh has also been charged with further breaches in relation to his betting on another Accrington Stanley match in which he played and on a number of other League Two matches.

All five have until 23 April to respond to the charges.

Leighton McGivern, also registered with Accrington Stanley FC at the time of the game, was charged in March 2009 in relation to his failure to provide The FA with information requested during the course of the investigation. He has denied the charge.

FA rules prohibit participants from betting on the result or progress of any match or competition in which the participant is participating or has any direct or indirect influence.