Wales boss Chris Coleman demands life bans for those guilty of financial impropriety in football
Wales boss Chris Coleman has urged football authorities to adopt a zero-tolerance approach and impose life bans on anybody found guilty of corruption within the game.
The 46-year-old, who guided Wales to the semi-finals of Euro 2016 in the summer, made his assertions after a stream of allegations this week of financial impropriety in football.
“It’s naïve of anyone to think there is no corruption in football because it’s everywhere,” said Coleman.
“It’s not about class or how much you earn. We’ve seen it in governments and all other sports, whether it’s drug-taking in athletics, cycling or gymnastics. Now it’s bungs in football and we’ve seen the stuff at Fifa.
“It’s sad but I have zero respect for anyone caught because it is people stealing money. If anyone is caught, then they should be removed from the game permanently and that’s it, goodnight.
“If you earn £50,000 a year, that’s a good salary to the man in the street. If you’re earning £50,000 a week then why are you after more? It’s just greed and dishonesty.”
The latest allegations following an investigation by a national newspaper have resulted in Barnsley assistant manager Tommy Wright having his contract terminated after appearing to accept a £5,000 payment from a fake Far East firm.