FA refer Granit Xhaka booking to National Crime Agency to continue investigation

The FA have referred Granit Xhaka's booking in Arsenal 's comprehensive win at Leeds United last season to the National Crime Agency.

There has been a six-month investigation to the matter which occurred during the Gunners' 4-1 Premier League success at Elland Road on Saturday, December 18.

There is no suggestion of any wrongdoing from the player himself, but according to the Mail, the FA have decided to refer the investigation to the nation's leading organised crime agency. This is amid allegations of a major betting scandal which indicates serious concerns over corruption and possible criminality.

The inquiry began in the aftermath of the game after the FA were alerted when Xhaka picked up a yellow card in the latter stages. They were concerned of it being linked to suspicious betting patterns - something which has occurred in professional football in the past.

Lincoln City defender Bradley Wood was banned for six years in 2018 after being found guilty of deliberately getting booked twice throughout their run to the FA Cup quarter-finals. However, cases of proven spot-fixing are rare in this country.

And while there has never been any suggestion of wrongdoing from Xhaka or any other Arsenal player, although the alarm has been raised after a bet of around £52,000 was placed for the 29-year-old to be cautioned during the final 10 minutes. The no-nonsense midfielder managed to pick up a booking despite his team being comfortably in the lead.

He was booked in the 86th minute by referee Andre Marriner for appearing to delay taking a free-kick. Xhaka stood over the ball for around 20 seconds before he was booked. It was reported shortly after the incident that the gamble earned a pay-out of around £250,000.

Sources