Dale chief hit by soccer ban
THE chief executive of Rochdale FC has been banned from ‘all football’ for almost a year and fined £10,000 following an FA probe into his handling of transfers.
Russ Green, who joined the Dale in August 2016, has been censured for his part in the signings of Padraig Amond and Lewis Alessandra while chief exec at his previous club Hartlepool.
Mr Green, a close friend of Soccer Saturday host and Hartlepool club president Jeff Stelling, was found guilty of disguising payments to agents as scouting fees and not submitting the correct paperwork to show third parties had been paid as part of the deals for the two players.
He admitted the charges earlier this year.
In a statement Rochdale AFC said the ‘implications of the FA’s decision are now being considered by the club’.
The statement added: “The club has received the following notification from the FA this afternoon.
“Russ Green, Chief Executive of Rochdale AFC, has been suspended from all football and football related activity from 16 July 2018 to 30 June 2019 and fined £10,000.
“Mr Green admitted to three breaches of FA Rule E1(b), which relates to incidents of misconduct regarding intermediary activity, whilst Chief Executive of Hartlepool United FC. The implications of the FA’s decision are now being considered by the club.
“We will not be making any further comment.”
Hartlepool have been fined £25,000 after being found guilty of six charges in connection with the same case.
In a statement released last month Dale chairman Chris Dunphy said Green had his ‘full and public support’.
He added: “I have known Russ for almost two decades and employed him at Rochdale Football Club due to his honesty and integrity, and because I knew that he would do an excellent job.
“Since his appointment in August 2016, he has had a hugely positive influence across the whole club. He is a valued member of staff and will play an influential part in the future of the club.
“The FA charges against him, which relate to a breach of FA Regulations, date back to before he was employed by Rochdale Football Club, and I have been fully aware of these ongoing proceedings from their inception.
“I have offered, and will continue to offer him, my personal support.”
In a statement issued on Monday the club said: “It is with regret that we find ourselves in this position, but it is important that we stress we are fully supporting Russ through this difficult time.
“Russ is currently appealing the decision.
“However, with the start of the season just over a month away, we must act quickly to put things in motion to ensure Russ’ role and responsibilities are covered for the period he is away from the club.
“As such, we can confirm that we have moved quickly to restructure internally to ensure continuity and the continued smooth operation of the club.
“To support the internal restructure of the club, we have in place the services of a consultant CEO with experience in this field, should those services be required. “