Daniel Sturridge fined and banned for breaching betting rules as FA appeal for stronger punishment

Free agent: Daniel Sturridge left Liverpool in June
Liverpool FC via Getty Images

Daniel Sturridge was today banned from domestic football matches for six weeks and fined £75,000 after an independent regulatory commission found him guilty of breaching betting rules.

The commission found that the 29-year-old, who was released by Liverpool this summer after his contract expired, had instructed his brother, Leon, to bet on a possible move for the forward to Sevilla.

The nature of Sturridge’s sanction means he would be able to resume playing from July 31, as long as he commits no further breaches of the rule — but the FA will appeal against the verdict as they believe a stronger sanction should have been imposed.

Nine of the charges alleged that Sturridge had provided inside information to friends and family about his possible transfer moves in January 2018, with information then being used in relation to betting.

Those charges were dismissed by the commission. But the two charges relating to the possible Sevilla move were upheld, and resulted in the six-week ban from July 17. Four weeks of that ban have been suspended meaning that the 29-year-old will be able to play from July 31.

The FA will be appealing against the charges which were dismissed and the sanction which was imposed. The written reasons for Sturridge’s case, published today, explain the governing body’s stance on the matter and why they are appealing.

A statement from the FA said: “The FA respectfully disagrees with the regulatory commission’s findings and will be appealing against the charges which were dismissed and the sanction which was imposed.”

Sturridge has won 26 caps for England, scoring eight goals, including strikes at the 2014 World Cup and the 2016 European Championships.

He has also represented Manchester City and Chelsea during his career.

This month, the striker made headlines when offering a £30,000 reward for the return of his missing dog, Lucci.

Sturridge said he was “absolutely delighted” after the return of the Pomeranian, which disappeared during a break-in at his house in Los Angeles.