Liverpool forward Sturridge charged with breaking FA betting rules

Liverpool and England striker Daniel Sturridge has been charged with breaching The Football Association's betting regulations.

The charge relates to two separate offences committed in January 2018 though the matches concerned have not been confirmed.

Sturridge is alleged to have broken the rule which forbids players from betting on the outcome of a match.

English football's governing body also claim the 29-year-old has contravened regulations regarding supplying information which was then used in relation to betting.

Responding to the charge, a Liverpool spokesman 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."

He has until 6pm on Tuesday November 20 to respond to the allegations.

Though Sturridge was contracted to Liverpool at the time, he joined West Bromwich Albion on loan for the rest of the 2017-18 season from January 29.

The Liverpool Echo understand bets taken on his move to The Hawthorns are among those being investigated.

A number of bets were reportedly made on Sturridge joining the Baggies, with odds moving from 66/1 to 5/2 in the hours before the switch was concerned.

He spent most of last term on the sidelines, making just 20 appearances in all competitions but has returned to full fitness.

The punishment Sturridge could face if found guilty is clouded in uncertainty until The FA announce the full extent of the breaches.

However, The FA have struct guidelines regarding players, managers and officials betting on the sport.

In April 2017, former England international Joey Barton was given an 18-month suspension  for placing 1,260 bets on matches over a 10-year period.

The reprimand was eventually reduced by five months on appeal but in the summer but upon the ban expiring he became League One side Fleetwood Town's new manager.