Liverpool FC's Daniel Sturridge may be facing a ban.
Once again, 30-year-old Liverpool FC striker Daniel Sturridge has been accused of breaching the English Football Association's betting rules. This could lead to an eight-month ban, a hefty fine, and potentially the end of his career. His coach Jürgen Klopp remains silent on the matter, while the club also declines to comment.
Born in Birmingham in 1989, Sturridge started his career at Cadbury Athletic in 1996. From there, he moved from one club to another, eventually joining Manchester, Chelsea, and Liverpool. He's won the English Cup twice, was the English champion once, and even claimed the Champions League once. Due to intense competition within his own ranks, Sturridge was often loaned to other teams during his seasons. His market value in 2014 stood at around 25 million euros.
Sturridge is quite active on his various social media accounts and even won Liverpool FC's Player of the Month award in October this year. Despite the accusations, he has yet to officially comment on the situation. He'll likely remain silent until the English Football Association finishes its investigation. Liverpool FC has issued a statement on behalf of the player, claiming he's never placed a bet on a soccer match.
His salary isn't enough, so he turned to sports betting
Earning 172,000 euros (150,000 pounds) per week might be the dream of average Joes, but Daniel Sturridge apparently felt otherwise. He opted for sports betting, which is strictly prohibited in the English Football Association's guidelines. Now, he's facing severe consequences, including a possible expulsion from his team. The English Football Association has launched an investigation into these violations.
"Daniel has categorically denied that he has ever bet on football." - Liverpool FC press release
The club and coach Jürgen Klopp will only comment once the investigation is complete. The Daily Mail reports that Sturridge could face a ban of up to eight months. Given his contract is about to expire, it's perhaps wise for the striker to have a backup plan if his career is on the line.
What exactly is Sturridge accused of?
In 2018, Sturridge played for West Bromwich Albion on loan. There were too many talented players at Liverpool, prompting other teams to seek help from them for a single season. The Football Association's investigation mainly centers around a specific bet. Before his loan transfer, an acquaintance of Sturridge is said to have placed a higher bet on the transfer going through, despite the odds being 25 to 1. This indicates it was unlikely to happen. According to the English Football Association, numerous indications point to Sturridge providing insider information to his acquaintance, which is forbidden for footballers.
Will Sturridge's contract be renewed?
No ruling has been announced in the Sturridge case, as the investigation is still ongoing. However, it's evident: his contract expires at the end of the season, and things might get complicated for the well-known striker. A conviction is a real possibility. If Liverpool does agree to an extension, it'll likely be at significantly reduced terms. Sturridge is one of Liverpool FC's top earners. Currently, only Mohamed Salah (26), Roberto Firmino (27), and Virgil van Dijk (27) earn as much as he does.
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Source: www.onlinecasinosdeutschland.com
