Footballers are not allowed to engage in any kind of betting activity, but that doesn’t seem to stop them.
We know it still goes on and professional players appear to get caught in the act every year. Most of the breaches that come to light seem to involve other teams, so match fixing is not something the authorities have reason to worry about.
The latest player to receive a ban is Atletico Madrid and England star Kieran Trippier, with the FA confirming the ruling and stating that he’s banned for 10 weeks.
A statement reads: “Kieran Trippier has been suspended for ten weeks and fined £70,000, following misconduct in relation to breaches of The FA’s Betting Rules.
“The Atletico Madrid defender denied seven alleged breaches of FA Rule E8(1)(b), which were said to occur during July 2019, and requested a personal hearing.
“An independent regulatory commission was appointed to hear the case, with four of the alleged breaches found proven and three dismissed during a subsequent personal hearing.
“The independent regulatory commission’s written reasons for its decisions and the associated sanction will be published in due course.
“The suspension, which includes all football and football-related activity, is effective worldwide from today (Wednesday 23 December 2020) following an application to FIFA.”
This suggests a January transfer is impossible because the ban will be enforced worldwide.
According to The Mirror, Manchester United are interested in Trippier and could see him as an alternative to Aaron Wan-Bissaka, but it doesn’t make much sense to move for him during this ban.
Atletico Madrid are currently on top of La Liga — three points clear of Real Madrid, who have a game in hand — so this will be a blow for them.
The former Tottenham defender will need to wait until he retires before placing a bet again.
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