AFC Wimbledon have today (Wednesday) confirmed that manager Wally Downes has been suspended from first team duties pending further notice.
This comes after the 58-year-old, who took over at Wimbledon last December and guided the club to safety in League One with 21 points from their final 12 matches, was charged by the FA in relation to alleged betting on football matches.
The club confirmed the news in a statement on their website, with assistant manager Glyn Hodges and the coaching staff set to manage the team against Peterborough United on Saturday.
In a statement, Wimbledon said: "Club manager Wally Downes has been suspended from first team duties pending further notice.
"The club has been informed that Wally has been charged by the FA for Misconduct under FA Rule E1(b) in respect of 8 bets placed on football matches between 30 November 2013 and 12 July 2019.
"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.
"Saturday’s match with Peterborough United will be managed by Glyn Hodges and the coaching staff."
In a statement, the FA confirmed that Downes has until October 4 to provide a response.
