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Redknapp accused of being aware his players were gambling on games

In a week that has shaken English football, the veteran manager stands accused of having breached FA rules relating to gambling.

FORMER TOTTENHAM MANAGER Harry Redknapp was aware that his players were betting on matches they were involved in and thereby contravening FA rules, according to a report in the Daily Telegraph.

Over the course of the last week, the paper has revealed corruption in the English game, with eight top-flight managers accused of taking bungs, resulting in Sam Alladyce leaving his post as England national team manager by mutual consent.

Redknapp is the latest name to be disclosed, with the ex-Premier League manager alleged to have been caught on film admitting he was aware players were putting money on their side to win.

Indeed, one of his players is said to have told an agent to “remortgage your house” such were the odds.

Moreover, the same agent has claimed that the opposition players were gambling on the same fixture.

While there are no suggestions of criminality on Redknapp’s part, it is not thought that he raised the matter with the FA, as he would have been expected to do in such circumstances given the association’s strict rules on the subject.

When contacted by the Telegraph, Redknapp said: “Unbeknownst to me. No, not a spread bet. It wasn’t a spread bet. I think they had a bet on the game, but it wasn’t, that was nothing to do with me… after the game I’d heard the rumour the lads had had a bet that day… I’m not in control of whether they go and have a bet or not.”

Meanwhile, the paper’s undercover reporters also discussed the issue of third-party ownership (TPO) with the 69-year-old, who is reported to have said:

“Listen I put my money where my mouth is and all you know, if you, if you’re gonna buy players, now, if I’m involved in picking the players then I don’t mind having an investment and having a little bit of a, you know, not a thing obviously but you know, I’d put a few quid in and take a chance with you. I need something to do with my money as well, don’t I? Can’t be fairer than that can you?”

Redknapp did, however, advise that buying a lower league club would be a better option.

When asked by the Telegraph about his opinion on TPO, he said: “It’s not something that I’ve ever been involved in, and it’s not something that I’d want to get involved in. As far as buying players go and me investing, you’ve got to be dreaming. I would not invest, why would I invest in buying footballers?”

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