Departing Bristol City academy coach charged by FA over alleged football betting

A former Bristol City academy coach has been charged with breaching betting rules rules by the Football Association.

Gary Powell, who was a coach for the under 15s and 16s players, is alleged to have placed 62 bets on football matches between February 4, 2018 and July 11, 2021.

Mr Powell had until September 7 to provide a response. The FA was unable to confirm today if they had receiveda response, but said an update on the case would be provided in time.

It is understood that Mr Powell left the club just 10 days ago, and that his departure was not directly linked to the charge.

Under rules tightened by the FA in 2014, anyone involved in football from level eight of the pyramid is prohibited from placing bets on football matches anywhere in the world. A person caught and can be fined, suspended or banned if found guilty.

The charge, published on the FA’s website for disciplinary charges, response and suspensions for August 2022, described it as an incident of misconduct in relation to betting.

It states:” Gary Powell, Coach, Bristol City FC. Breach of FA Rule E8 - Misconduct under FA Rule E1(b) in respect of 62 bets placed on football matches between 04 February 2018 and 11 July 2021.”

Bristol World has approached Mr Powell for comment.

In his last post on Twitter, on August 31, he shared a certificate showing he had been awarded a FA Level 4 (UEFA A) in Coaching Football Award.