Conor Gogarty

Michael Jones, a former Greater Manchester Police officer and active Welsh football referee, has been suspended from his Football Association of Wales role after a misconduct hearing revealed extensive sexual activity and inappropriate messages sent while on duty. The inquiry concluded he would have been dismissed for premeditated gross misconduct had he not resigned. Despite his claim not to be involved in football, he is still listed as a referees officer, with the FAW confirming his suspension pending a safeguarding investigation. Official bodies noted no safeguarding risks in earlier assessments, while the FAW emphasised the interim nature of its suspension and declined further comment during the ongoing review.

Michael Jones, a former Greater Manchester Police officer found to have engaged in extensive sexual misconduct while on duty, has been suspended from his role as a referees officer with the Football Association of Wales. The misconduct hearing revealed numerous explicit messages, public sexual encounters and improper use of police time, leading to his barring from policing. Despite initially denying his involvement, Jones admitted the misconduct when confronted and said he no longer works in football, though regional association records still listed him in an official role. The FAW is conducting a safeguarding investigation, while Jones maintains his behaviour stemmed from personal conditions and asserts that no risk to children was found during previous inquiries.