FIFA Imposes Ban on Trippier
Entering the final stretch before Christmas, English footballer Kieran Trippier (30), a defender for Atlético Madrid, was hit with a ten-week ban and a fine of €77,000 for violating betting regulations. Despite an appeal that caused the suspension of the punishment, FIFA has now finalized the penalties. The news has left Atlético stunned. But what led to Trippier's predicament?
Suspicious conversations take Trippier down
FIFA has once again upheld the ban imposed on Atlético's right-back Kieran Trippier for betting violations. The 30-year-old English defender is now suspended for ten weeks and slapped with a hefty €77,000 fee. Following the club's appeal, which resulted in the temporary suspension of the fine, it was shady conversations that led to Trippier's downfall.
These centered around his transfer from Tottenham Hotspur to Spain in 2019/20. The English FA had identified worrying chat logs and flagged them in July 2019. Concerning the transfer, Trippier had asked acquaintances to place bets on the move with Atlético at the time. Willingly, Trippier had handed over his smartphone to the investigators.
Trippier was initially accused of seven rule breaches related to betting. Out of these, four were confirmed during the investigation. Trippier continued to deny the allegations. Subsequently, Atlético lodged an appeal. Club managing director Miguel Ángel Gil Marín highlighted the unfairness and injustice in the case. This was followed by the announcement that the matter would be taken to the International Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Lausanne.
Kieran John Trippier, born in Bury in 1990, had previously played for Manchester City, FC Barnsley, FC Burnley, and Tottenham Hotspur. He started his Spanish football career with Atlético Madrid. Trippier was first called up to England's senior squad in June 2017, making his debut in a friendly against France. In 2018, he represented England in the World Cup in Russia. Notably, he scored his first international goal against Croatia with a stupendous free-kick in the semi-final. Trippier finished fourth with the team.
Betting Code breaches
The ban has left Atlético shocked, as Trippier will also be unable to play in the Champions League's round of 16 against Chelsea FC (February 23). The suspension expires on February 28. The saga surrounding the defender began in May 2020 when Trippier was accused of betting offenses.
According to the FA, Trippier is said to have violated FA Betting Rule E8(1)(a)(ii) and E8(1)(b) of the Betting Code. FA Betting Rule E8(1)(a) states that a registered player may not bet on any soccer-related results or occurrences. It is also forbidden to urge others to wager on specific events.
The said rule also prohibits individuals from betting on other soccer-related matters such as player transfers, managerial and coaching appointments, team selections, and disciplinary proceedings. Additionally, FA Betting Rule E8(1)(b) forbids disclosing inside information.
The situation of Kieran Trippier resembles that of Liverpool FC striker Daniel Sturridge, who faced a six-week ban and a fine of €84,000 in 2019. The 26-time England international had divulged insider information about a potential transfer to Spanish club Sevilla FC in January 2018. Sturridge had also pushed people to bet on the transfer.
FIFA prioritizing football's integrity
The dangers of illegal gambling, match-fixing, and corruption have long plagued the sport and gambling world. In a bid to maintain the integrity of soccer, FIFA has stepped up their efforts to combat cheating and rule violations since December. To achieve this, FIFA signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).
The partnership primarily aims to boost awareness of FIFA's confidential reporting platforms. Players, coaches, and officials are expected to recognize suspicious betting activities, take necessary steps against them, and report them immediately. FIFA supports calls to expose anyone suspected of cheating. Confidential reports can be submitted via the FIFA website, email, or a newly-introduced integrity app.
FIFA considers the risk of match-fixing to be particularly high following the coronavirus pandemic. This is due to looming economic uncertainties. To counteract these risks, FIFA is committed to enhancing protection of soccer integrity. Campaign supporters include Chinese player of the century Sun Wen, Colombian defender Iván Córdoba, and German referee Bibiana Steinhaus.
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Source: www.onlinecasinosdeutschland.com
