Liverpool’s Sturridge suspended after being found guilty of breaching FA betting rules

Liverpool forward Daniel Sturridge has been fined £75,000 and suspended for six weeks after he was found guilty on two charges of breaching FA betting rules.

'Mr Sturridge had instructed his brother, Leon, to bet on a possible move by him (Daniel) to Sevilla FC. In issuing that instruction, the Regulatory Commission found that, as a matter of fact, Mr Sturridge had provided his brother with inside information for that purpose,' read a statement from the FA.

The England international faced 11 charges but nine were dismissed by the Regulatory Commission.

"The Regulatory Commission found proved charges 3 and 4, which alleged that, in that same transfer window, Mr Sturridge had instructed his brother, Leon, to bet on a possible move by him (Daniel) to Sevilla FC.

"In issuing that instruction, the Regulatory Commission found that, as a matter of fact, Mr Sturridge had provided his brother with inside information for that purpose. 

"By way of sanction, the Regulatory Commission imposed on Mr Sturridge a 6-week suspension from participation in any domestic football matches (including friendlies), such suspension being effective from 17 July 2019.

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"Four weeks of that ban have been suspended until 31 August 2019, meaning that Mr Sturridge will be able to resume participating by 31 July 2019 in the event he commits no further breaches of FA Rule E8.  In addition, the Regulatory Commission imposed a fine of £75,000 on Mr Sturridge,” said the FA in their written reasons for the ban.

Sturridge moved to West Bromwich Albion on loan from Liverpool in January 2018, before returning to the Reds last summer.

He managed a mere 27 appearances for Liverpool last season and was an unused substitute as the Reds beat Tottenham in last month to lift the coveted Champions League trophy.

The striker is now a free agent after his contract expired at the end of last season. He will be hoping to shake his injuries off in order to find good suitors this summer.