The ECB has decided against taking action over allegations of match-fixing concerning two games between Essex and Lancashire at Old Trafford in August 1991.

The allegations were made by former Essex player Don Topley and concerned a County Championship match and a one-day game.

But a report into the allegations published today by Gerard Elias QC, the chairman of the ECB's Discipline Standing Committee, says that they "can take matters no further".

All the evidence accumulated by the ECB's inquiry into the affair was passed on to Greater Manchester Police who concluded that no further action could be taken, largely because Topley's evidence could not be sufficiently corroborated for criminal proceedings to be undertaken. There were also a number of potential witnesses who rebutted the allegations.

Mr Elias said in his report: "It is plain that there is insufficient evidence against any individual falling under the Board's jurisdiction… to bring a case before the Discipline Panel."

Mr Elias continues: "I propose to continue the Board's policy of complete co-operation with the police in matters of this kind and to ensure that no delay occurs in passing on appropriate information to the relevant force."

He recommends that the ECB's management board establish a confidential hotline so that any potential whistleblowers would not be deterred from making allegations because of fears of victimisation.

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