Former Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge has been given a six-week ban from football for telling a family member to bet on him joining Sevilla.
As outlined by Sky Sports in the United Kingdom, the former England international instructed the family member to put money on him joining the Andalusian club in 2018.
The former Chelsea and Man City striker has been given a six-week ban, four of which have been suspended until August 31, 2020, meaning he is free to play football again from July 31.
Sturridge had told his brother Leon to place the bet following intense speculation that Los Rojiblancos would secure his signature twelve months ago.
The reports adds that: “The Commission also found that, in issuing that instruction, Sturridge had provided his brother with inside information for that purpose.”
The striker has responded to the sentence via a statement: “I am grateful to the panel for the time and consideration given to my case. I would also like to thank my family, friends and legal representatives for the support they have given me throughout the past very tough 15 months.
“I am pleased that nine of the 11 charges were dismissed and that the panel found me to be an honest and credible witness, and that my actions on one particularly difficult day were out of character.
“The case was heard over seven days by a distinguished panel, which resulted in a lengthy and carefully considered decision, and followed an extensive investigation by The FA.
“It is therefore extremely disappointing to hear that the FA will be appealing this decision. I will continue to defend the case and the appeal.
“I am training hard and fully focused on the upcoming football season.”
