BRITISH PLAYERS’ UNION the Professional Football Association (PFA) on Thursday gave its “full support” to chief executive Gordon Taylor following newspaper reports he has amassed huge gambling debts.
A report in The Sun newspaper yesterday claimed Taylor had run up a private debt of £100,000 (€118,000), but the PFA said the 68-year-old’s position at the head of the union was not under threat.
“The management committee are aware of the recent press allegations regarding Gordon Taylor,” said a statement from the PFA released to Britain’s Press Association.
“Whilst this is a private matter for Gordon, he has informed us that this dispute has been in the hands of lawyers for some time.
“For that reason, it would be inappropriate for us to comment specifically. We have discussed this with him and he has our full support.”
Taylor, who took up his role in 1981, has spoken out about the dangers of gambling for modern players on several occasions, and said in 2010 that a “zero tolerance” approach was needed.
The PFA added: “We recognise that gambling is part of our culture and part of football and it is for that reason that the PFA remains committed to continue in its work to raise awareness levels and educate.”
As a player, Taylor represented Bolton Wanderers, Birmingham City, Blackburn Rovers, Vancouver Whitecaps and Bury, and joined the PFA management committee while still playing in 1972.
He is yet to comment publicly on the matter.
