Daniel Sturridge has been officially charged by the Football Association over an alleged breach of betting rules. Sturridge has until to 6pm tomorrow to make an official response to the charges, which could lead to a fine and/or suspension. The Liverpool striker is being charged with misconduct over behavior in January of 2018, when he left to join West Bromwich Albion on loan. The misconduct in question allegedly violated the FA’s betting rules.
The English international has made a public statement on the matter, via a Liverpool Football Club spokesperson. Daniel Sturridge maintains that he has never wagered on football.
“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 FA have confirmed that Sturridge’s charges are in relation to Rule E8(1)(a)(ii) and Rule E8(1)(b), which states:
“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.”
The influence of the gaming industry on the sport of football is only going to continue to grow. More and more wagering companies are getting involved with football clubs, and many already have had shirt sponsorship deals with teams.
Moreover, the casino industry is booming all over the world and teams are getting involved with companies from many different nations overseas. This isn’t the first time that an EPL footballer has been accused of wrongdoing in the sports betting realm, and it won’t be the last. This is certainly an emerging market, and it all sets itself up for interesting news narratives down the line.
Paul M. Banks runs The Sports Bank.net, which is partnered with News Now. Banks, a former writer for NBC Chicago.com and Chicago Tribune.com, regularly appears as a guest pundit on WGN CLTV and co-hosts the “Let’s Get Weird, Sports” podcast on SB Nation.
He also contributes sociopolitical essays to Lineups.com and Chicago Now. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram. The content of his cat’s Instagram account is unquestionably superior to his.