Liverpool forward Daniel Sturridge has been charged with misconduct over alleged breaches of The FA’s Betting Rules.
The 29-year-old has until 6pm on Tuesday 20 November 2018 to respond to the charge.
The FA have stated that the charge is in relation to alleged breaches in January 2018 related to Rule E8(1)(a)(ii) and Rule E8(1)(b).
“Rule E8(1)(a) – a participant shall not bet, either directly or indirectly, or instruct, permit, cause or enable any person to bet on – (i) the result, progress, conduct or any other aspect of, or occurrence in or in connection with, a football match or competition; or (ii) any other matter concerning or related to football anywhere in the world, including, for example and without limitation, the transfer of players, employment of managers, team selection or disciplinary matters.
“Rule E8(1)(b) – where a participant provides to any other person any information relating to football which the participant has obtained by virtue of his or her position within the game and which is not publicly available at that time, the participant shall be in breach of this Rule where any of that information is used by that other person for, or in relation to, betting.”
Sturridge joined West Brom on loan at the end of January 2018, but made just six appearances for the Baggies as they were relegated.
The Liverpool Echo report that “wagers placed on Sturridge moving to West Brom on loan…are understood to form part of the [FA’s] investigation into alleged breaches of betting rules.”
Previously, Joey Barton was banned for 18 months after admitting betting offences, adding up to over 1,200 games he had gambled on.
Barton claimed that “50%” of professional players bet on matches. His ban was later reduced to five months upon appeal.
Other recent examples include Jack Colback (then of Newcastle United) and Martin Demichelis (Man City), who were both given a fine rather than a ban.
At the more extreme end of the scale, Lincoln City’s Bradley Wood was banned for six years after intentionally getting booked, with friends and family having bet on him to do so.
A statement from Liverpool FC reads:
“Daniel has given his full and unequivocal co-operation throughout this process and has assured the club he will continue to do so.
“Daniel has also stated categorically that he has never gambled on football.
“As with any issue of this nature, we will allow the process to be concluded in its entirety before making any further comment.”
Sturridge was an unused sub in Liverpool’s most recent match, at home to Fulham on Sunday.
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