LONDON, (Reuters) – Three footballers have been charged with serious rule breaches after an investigation into suspicious betting activity by the British Horseracing Authority (BHA), the governing body said yesterday.
Ipswich striker Michael Chopra, Nottingham Forest midfielder James Coppinger and former Manchester United and Doncaster Rovers midfielder Mark Wilson were charged along with jockey Andrew Heffernan and five other people.
Chopra and Wilson were also charged with offering bribes to Heffernan.
“Following an investigation into suspicious betting activity on a number of races, the British Horseracing Authority has charged nine individuals with serious breaches of the Rules of Racing,” the BHA said in a statement.
“The allegations focus on horses being laid to lose on betting exchanges in races that took place between 1st November 2010 and 31st March 2011.
