Action on the pitch in the League of Ireland for the past two weeks has felt almost secondary, amid the ongoing investigation at Athlone Town.
A widened investigation has been launched by the FAI into "irregular betting patterns" around some of the First Division club's fixtures this season.
This week, Off The Ball were joined by Irish Times football journalist Emmet Malone and Irish Daily Mail soccer correspondent David Sneyd and they explained the background to the story and behind the scenes changes at the club before the start of the new season.
You can listen to the full discussion here.
Elsewhere, Cork City continue their astonishing start to the season - having won their opening 12 league games this season - when they go to Galway United.
Bohemians run the risk of dropping into the relegation zone on Friday night when they welcome rivals Shamrock Rovers to Dalymount Park.
Failure to pick up a point, coupled with a Finn Harps win at home to Bray Wanderers would see them slip into the bottom three.
Limerick FC have the chance to leapfrog Derry City in fourth on Friday evening when they welcome Kenny Shiels side to Market's Field on Saturday evening.
This week, Shiels criticised the quality of pitches in the league, saying: "What is important and what we have to understand is football is an entertainment game. We resorted to playing like them, when we started to kick it long in the second half. The pitch was too bumpy. We couldn't play."
Galway United's home ground, Eamonn Deacy Park. Image: ©INPHO/Donall Farmer
Champions Dundalk welcome Sligo Rovers to Oriel Park, while basement club St Patrick's Athletic host Drogheda United.
This week, Team 33's Raf Diallo caught up with Netherlands football legend Johan Neeskens and discussed potentially becoming a baseball player in his youth, as well as the pressure that goes with taking part in a penalty shootout.
On Newstalk's SSE Airtricity League Podcast, Oisin Langan and Daniel Kelly speak to former Galway United, Sligo Rovers and Dundalk defender Alan Keane, who hung up his boots last week.
Speaking on Off The Ball this week, Stuart Byrne voiced his concerns over Dundalk's form in the Premier Division.
Premier Division
St. Patrick's Athletic vs. Drogheda United, Richmond Park (7.45pm)
Galway United FC vs. Cork City, Eamonn Deacy Park (7.45pm)
Dundalk vs. Sligo Rovers, Oriel Park (7.45pm)
Bohemians vs. Shamrock Rovers, Dalymount Park (7.45pm)
Finn Harps vs. Bray Wanderers, Finn Park (8pm)
Limerick FC vs. Derry City, Market's Field (Saturday 13/5, 6.30pm)
First Division
Cobh Ramblers vs. Cabinteely FC, St Colman's Park (7.45pm)
Shelbourne vs. Athlone Town, Tolka Park (7.45pm)
Wexford FC vs. Waterford FC, Ferrycarrig Park (8pm)
Longford Town vs. UCD, City Calling Stadium (Saturday 13/5, 7:30 pm)
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