Powys based Welsh football councillor suspended for sexism

Welshpool-based former Football Association of Wales president Phil Pritchard, one of the FAW's longest-serving councillors, will return to duties in a fortnight.

Mr Pritchard, Ron Bridges of north Wales and south Wales based councillor Huw Jones were also reprimanded by the association with the latter since returning to his role.

Mr Pritchard, who has served as a councillor since 1992, was alleged to have made comments at a dinner before an international game which were judged to be misogynist and discriminated on the basis of sex.

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The former president of the Football Association, Phil Pritchard, is one of the men currently banned.

The basis of the ban against him is comments made at a dinner before a game which were judged to be misogynist and discriminated on the basis of sex.

Mr Pritchard denied making any sexist comments and insisted the complaint was based on a comment being misinterpreted.

"There is always a good atmosphere before games and lots of banter and joking," said Mr Pritchard.

"This is a case of a comment being misinterpreted and I deny making any offensive comments which I was accused."

Pritchard conceded he had admitted guilt as the cost of mounting an appeal to clear his name was prohibitive.

"It would have cost so much money to challenge this that it was easier to take the suspension," he added.

Mr Pritchard will return to duty in a fortnight and while he confirmed he would be continuing in his role he insisted the experience had been exasperating.

"I must admit I do not enjoy my role as much I used to," said Pritchard. "I have lost a lot of my interest."

An FAW statement added: "Whilst we cannot comment on individual cases, the Football Association of Wales takes all disciplinary matters extremely seriously in relation to council members.

"We have processes and procedures set out within our rules and regulations, which govern how such matters must be dealt with.

"Depending on the nature of the alleged offence, it is either dealt with by an internal disciplinary procedure, or for more serious matters by an independent arbitration panel."

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