Poole cleared by SCB

Investigation clears Pirates

Last updated: 17th July 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Poole cleared by SCB

SCB: Ruled in Poole's favour

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Poole Pirates chief Matt Ford has welcomed the Speedway Control Bureau's ruling which has cleared them of alleged fixture manipulation.

The SCB - who govern the sport in Britain - launched an investigation after it was claimed the Pirates had deliberately doctored their averages in the beginning of the season.

The meetings at Swindon and Peterborough were high on the investigations agenda, but now the SCB has ruled that there is no 'factual evidence'.

In a statement, SCB consultant administrator Graham Reeve said: "The SCB instigated an investigation into allegations of wrong-doings by Poole Speedway based upon an outburst of claims in the press, internet forums and programme notes from fellow promotions.

"The allegations were that Poole Speedway had attempted to manipulate rider averages in order to facilitate team changes.

"The initial stage involved the SCB carrying out a thorough and wide ranging investigation that involved interviews with over 20 persons, including promoters, riders, mechanics, team managers, medical officers and other SCB licensed officials and liaison with other bodies.

"The SCB members met last week to review the results of this investigation and find in the absence of any factual evidence the SCB are unable to proceed.

"The SCB findings conclude that in future, the SCB will only make investigations when the following conditions have been satisfied. Complaints and/or reports are made at the meeting; either reported by the referee or reported to the referee and is supported by proper evidence.

"The SCB cannot instigate an investigation based upon rumour or unsubstantiated allegations.

"The SCB has requested the British Speedway Promoters' Association to review the current systems concerning riders' averages and team building and to develop a practice that removes any temptation for teams and riders to compete in an inequitable manner.

"Furthermore, the SCB joins the BSPA in reminding all promoters of the requirement to use the correct channels of communication when they have concerns."

Ford insisted he was always expecting the announcement, and stated: "It was only what we expected.

"The SCB's statement says it all and we're glad that's the end of it.

"I'm just happy the whole thing is over. That's all I want to say about it."

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