Wally Downes’ future as AFC Wimbledon manager has been thrown into doubt after he was charged by the FA over an alleged breach of betting rules.
Downes is alleged to have placed eight bets on football matches between November 2013 and July 2019.
Wimbledon have suspended the 58-year-old because of the “seriousness of the breach” but have not commented on the exact nature of the bets placed.
Past precedents for proven breaches of FA betting regulations have ranged from fines to lengthy suspensions from all football activity. Downes’ position was already under some scrutiny with Wimbledon down in 22nd place in League One and without a win in their opening 10 matches.
Downes, who founded the Crazy Gang, did a brilliant job to lead Wimbledon to an unlikely survival last season after taking over in December.
But the Dons have struggled this season and only crisis club Bolton are below them.
Downes’ assistant Glyn Hodges will take charge of the team for their trip to Peterborough United on Saturday.
Downes has until October 4 to respond to the charge but his future as Wimbledon manager is now in doubt. Once he has responded to the charge, his case will be decided be an independent regulatory commission.
Wimbledon said in a statement: “Wally Downes has been suspended from first-team duties pending further notice.
“Given the seriousness of this breach in FA regulations, the club has decided to suspend Wally with immediate effect, giving time for the club and Dons Trust boards to look at the allegations more closely and make a further announcement in due course.”
