Boston are charged after FA inquiry

The Football Association yesterday charged Boston United with 16 offences relating to alleged illegal payments to players. There has been speculation that the investigation could lead to the club being denied promotion to the Football League after their Nationwide Conference title success at the end of last season.

Six of the charges, which follow a month-long inquiry, concern the lodging with the FA of playing contracts for six players (Paul Bastock, Ken Charlery, James Dick, Paul Wilson, Simon Weatherstone and Mike Marsh) which allegedly included false details relating to salaries and other payments. However, the players themselves have not been personally charged.

The Pilgrims' manager, Steve Evans, faces eight charges, six of which relate to the submission of contracts for the above players. Two charges centre on allegations that Evans "procured that a cash payment of £8,000 be made to a player in an attempt to mislead, frustrate and impede the FA inquiry". The FA statement added: "During the course of the inquiry, he [Evans] has made further attempts to persuade another player to mislead the inquiry."

The former chairman and current director Pat Malkinson faces two charges. One relates to the alleged lodging at the FA of a playing contract containing false details and the other relates to the same alleged conduct as Evans regarding the payment of £8,000 to a player.

Boston have 14 days to respond, with a hearing set for 18 and 19 July.