FA fine Stevenage pounds 25,000
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Stevenage Borough, the reigning Vauxhall Conference champions, have been fined pounds 25,000 by the Football Association after asking for a pounds 30,000 "bung" from Torquay.
The Stevenage chairman, Victor Green, was found guilty of telling Torquay that unless the money was paid he would sell his club's leading striker. That could have cost the Hertfordshire club - whose ground did not meet Football League standards by the required deadline - the Conference title.
Had Stevenage been overhauled their by nearest challengers, Woking, whose ground did meet the criteria, then Torquay, who finished bottom of the Third Division, would have been relegated.
Green yesterday suffered for his actions as Stevenage were fined, although it is suspended for two years and the club will only have to pay if they again breach FA rules in the next 24 months.
The club were also ordered to pay within 14 days a pounds 10,000 contribution to the costs of the hearing, which was heard by a three-man FA committee.
FA spokesman Steve Double said: "The committee decided that the club officials had been misguided in their behaviour [which] could not go unpunished although it took into consideration the regret expressed."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments