English football bribery scandal
Encyclopedia
The 1905 English football bribery scandal was an event of corruption
that surfaced at the conclusion of the 1904-05 football season
. It centred around the accusations that Manchester City player Billy Meredith
had been offered bribes to purposely lose their final league match of the season against Aston Villa
.
Bribery
Bribery, a form of corruption, is an act implying money or gift giving that alters the behavior of the recipient. Bribery constitutes a crime and is defined by Black's Law Dictionary as the offering, giving, receiving, or soliciting of any item of value to influence the actions of an official or...
that surfaced at the conclusion of the 1904-05 football season
1904-05 in English football
The 1904–05 season was the 34th season of competitive football in England.-Events:Stockport County were replaced by Doncaster Rovers in the Second Division....
. It centred around the accusations that Manchester City player Billy Meredith
Billy Meredith
William Henry "Billy" Meredith was a Welsh footballer. He was considered one of the early superstars of football due to his performances, notably for Manchester City and Manchester United. He won each domestic trophy in the English football league and also gained 48 caps for Wales, for whom he...
had been offered bribes to purposely lose their final league match of the season against Aston Villa
Aston Villa F.C.
Aston Villa Football Club is an English professional association football club based in Witton, Birmingham. The club was founded in 1874 and have played at their current home ground, Villa Park, since 1897. Aston Villa were founder members of The Football League in 1888. They were also founder...
.