The Football Association of Wales has charged the chairman of The New Saints with a disciplinary offence after he allegedly published offensive and derogatory content on social media.
Mike Harris, who chairs TNS, the current Welsh champions, is facing serious accusations from the FAW after a post he shared online was deemed insulting and unacceptable by the governing body.
The New Saints are the most successful club in Welsh domestic football, having dominated the Cymru Premier in recent years, which makes the charges against their chairman all the more significant. Harris is one of the most prominent figures in Welsh club football, and the case is likely to attract considerable attention from fans and officials across the game.
The FAW confirmed the charge relates to content Harris published online that they describe as offensive, insulting and derogatory. The governing body has strict rules around the conduct of club officials both on and off the pitch, and social media behaviour has become an increasingly serious matter for football associations across the UK.
Details of exactly what was posted have not been made public, but the language used by the FAW in their charge sheet makes clear they view the matter seriously. Disciplinary proceedings are now underway and Harris will have the opportunity to respond to the charge through the proper channels.
TNS are based in Oswestry and have long been the dominant force in Welsh football, regularly competing in European qualifying rounds and setting the standard in the Cymru Premier. The club has built a strong reputation over the years, and this episode will be an unwanted distraction for everyone connected to them.
The FAW has been increasingly active in tackling online misconduct, reflecting a wider push across football to hold those in positions of power to account for what they say and share publicly. Club chairmen and officials are expected to uphold the values of the game, and any breach of those standards can lead to fines, bans or other sanctions depending on the outcome of the disciplinary process.
No date has yet been set for a hearing, and the process could take some time to conclude. Harris has not yet made any public statement in response to the charge.