Athlone Town to investigate alleged travel breaches by players

Athlone Town AFC has confirmed that it is investigating allegations that two members of the club's men's senior squad travelled overseas during the mid-season break.

In a statement released a short time ago this evening (Wednesday), the club said it "will look thoroughly into the allegations in order to establish the true factual situation, and see if any further steps need to be taken".

"We will not be identifying the players during the currency of the formal investigation," said the Athlone Town AFC statement.

"The club accepts that the allegations are serious, especially in light of the current travel advice regarding the Covid-19 pandemic, issued by the government.

"The club can confirm that prior to the break no member of our staff or any of our players asked for permission to leave the country.

"In advance of the break players were given advices from various parties that any travel outside of Ireland during the break should be agreed with clubs.

"Had anyone associated with the club sought permission, consent would not have been given, unless such travel was absolutely necessary," continued the statement.

"The club would also like to point out that the two players at the centre of the allegations have not been in close contact with other members of our first team squad and staff for some weeks."

The statement went on to say that the two players were last involved with the men's senior team on a date prior to their most recent game, against UCD on May 28 last, and before their alleged departure overseas.

"In addition, they will not be included in our match-day squad for our forthcoming game away to Galway United.

"We will issue a further statement on this issue at a later date," the statement added.