Wells cautious on investigation

IFA chief Wells has been made aware of the betting patterns

IFA chief executive Howard Wells says a full investigation will be held into unusual betting patterns "only if the facts establish that it is needed".

All three of the country's leading bookmaker chains stopped taking bets on Glenavon's game against Armagh City on Friday and the IFA awaits more details.

"These trends happen from time to time and we were alerted to it," said Wells.

"I suspect it will be very difficult to come up with any concrete facts that indicate to us what actually went on."

Meanwhile Armagh City have written to the Irish FA to say that they would "welcome any investigation into the matter which they would deem to be appropriate".

"We believe that the good name of Armagh City FC, the Carnegie Premier League and the Irish FA are all being damaged by these allegations," they added.

IFA chief executive Howard Wells is investigating allegations that betting was suspended on an Irish League game between Glenavon and Armagh City.

Bookmakers are believed to have stopped taking bets on Saturday's game after unusual betting patterns were detected.

It is understood that a high number of new internet and telebetting accounts were opened to place bets only on this game, with betting suspended on Friday.

"We are awaiting clarification from a William Hill spokesman," said Wells.

"We have no specific procedure for dealing with this problem but are aware of the allegations," he added.