TWO highly-decorated soccer officials have been sensationally suspended for three years for their alleged role in a statewide scandal that has engulfed Wagga.
Following the 18-month suspension of Henwood Park captain Jamie Potter for tampering with an official score sheet, two more representatives have been blacklisted from the sport.
Football Wagga went into lockdown yesterday following
the suspensions of two player-coaches who represent Henwood Park.
The Daily Advertiser understands the suspended Henwood Park duo is Michael Schmid, who plays reserve grade and coaches first grade and with Kingsley Ireland, who plays and has a coaching role at the club.
Neither Schmid nor Kingsley were present at Henwood Park’s game against Cootamundra at Burns Park on Sunday, prompting speculation about the suspensions.
Schmid was unable to be contacted yesterday while Ireland offered “no comment”.
Football Wagga senior vice-president David O’Grady admitted an investigation was ongoing but refused to divulge the intricate details.
“That information is not public knowledge so it would be highly inappropriate for me or anyone else to comment on it,” O’Grady said.
“The findings of the P and D (protests and dispute) will be
sent to the club and the two gentlemen.
“The findings are virtually finished but (still) have to be looked at by other people.”
While O’Grady refused to name the players, several sources yesterday confirmed to The Daily Advertiser Schmid and Ireland were at the centre of the investigation.
O’Grady acknowledged the suspended duo would have the right to appeal.
“They can either accept the findings or they can appeal,” O’Grady said.