A leading betting firm denied yesterday that some English Premier League managers have broken Football Association rules by gambling on competitions they are involved in.

An ex-employee of bookmakers Victor Chandler has alleged certain managers have bet significant amounts with Chandler on top-flight matches.

A High Court order granted on Wednesday has prohibited the names of the managers being revealed but Max Clifford, publicist for Victor Chandler, said yesterday the managers had done nothing wrong.

He told Reuters: "There's a court order, basically a gagging order, all agreed last night. None of them have bet on anything about themselves. No one has broken any rules, no one has done anything to compromise their position."

Managers are allowed to bet on horse races and other sporting and soccer events not connected to their competitions.

Clifford said he believed two Premier League managers were involved despite reports that allegations had been made against four.

The FA said yesterday it would investigate the allegations. "We will see if there has been any breach of our regulations and we would welcome any information that would help our inquiries," an FA spokesman said.

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