Match fixing case dropped against Rochdale AFC player Stephen Dawson

The match fixing case against Rochdale AFC player Stephen Dawson has been dropped.

Dawson, 29, was one of 13 players arrested in April 2014 on suspicion of being involved in a major spot-fixing scam, whereby players supposedly took bribes in return for deliberately getting booked.

The players were arrested by the NCA following an alleged sting by Mazher Mahmood – the so called ‘Fake Sheikh’ who had written a front page article in the Sun on Sunday the previous December under the headline ‘Ex Prem stars in match fix probe’.

On Thursday 15 January, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said it was dropping the case following the collapse of a drugs trial against singer and former X Factor judge Tulisa Contostavlos – an investigation also prompted by Mahmood.

In a statement released this morning (Monday 19 January), Dawson, who was at Barnsley at the time of his arrest said: “After nine long months, I cannot express what a huge relief it is to finally learn that no further action will be taken against me, with respect to the following charges, which have now been dropped:

• Conspiracy to commit acts of bribery 
• Conspiracy to cheat 
• Entering into an agreement to launder criminal proceeds in relation to match fixing football league matches 

“Since my arrest on 2 April 2014, I have always maintained my innocence and remain shocked at the allegations made against me.

“They have been the worst nine months of my life – my family and I have been to hell and back. The embarrassment this has caused, and the stress it has put on myself and those closest to me, is something I will never forget.

“My reputation and integrity were seriously tarnished. After 10 years in football and having played over 400 games, the after effects of this whole situation had left me at rock bottom and ready to quit the game that I love.

“With my reputation in ruins I was left with no club or contract in the summer and if it was not for Keith Hill and Rochdale Football Club I don’t know where I would be now. I would also like to thank Danny Wilson, the Manager of Barnsley FC, for standing by me when the allegations were first brought to light and I was arrested.

“As stated above, I have always indicated my non-involvement in this matter and total innocence and I am pleased that the CPS have withdrawn the prosecution. Happily I can now finally move on with my life and my career.”

All 13 players who were arrested denied any wrong doing and have all since been cleared.