Staines Town FC play in the 8th tier of English football. A few years ago they were in the same league as my side, Wealdstone, but have fallen on hard times. However, nothing could have prepared the world of non-league fandom for the announcement made today by the club's management. They have alleged that the owners of their ground are guilty of serious crimes, including money laundering, child slavery, sanctions-busting ... and murder. And consequently the club is refusing to play any more matches.
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| That astonishing statement in full |
Staines are currently bottom of their league, the Isthmian South-Central, and already relegated to the depths of county league football. So they would have been kicked out of the league in any case. It is not clear why the club is refusing to play, unless it be that they refuse to pay any more rent to the ground owners. Going by the fans' unofficial forum, there is no confidence in the club's owners but it is not clear if there is a connection between them and the ground owners. Hopefully some fans can keep the show going and maybe reform next season, albeit at a much lower level.
The club have written an open letter to the Home Secretary making the same allegations as in the statement so it will be interesting to see if, given the serious nature of the alleged crimes, the police are involved. Although the news has reached the "Trending" level on Twitter, there is, of course, no reaction so far from the Isthmian League or the FA.
