The Football Association has accused Daniel Sturridge of “misconduct in relation to alleged breaches of The FA’s Betting Rules” – a charge that the Liverpool striker has categorically denied.
The bets were allegedly placed after the opening of the January transfer window. That same month Sturridge joined West Brom on loan for the rest of the season.
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According to an FA statement, the player has been charged “in relation to Rule E8(1)(a)(ii) and Rule E8(1)(b), during the period of January 2018”.
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 has vehemently denied the charges. A Liverpool FC statement said: “Daniel has given his full and unequivocal cooperation 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.”
The striker has until 6pm on Tuesday 20 November to respond to the FA charge. The Sun says that he could face a fine and lengthy ban “depending on the severity of the incident”.