Martin Demichelis charged for betting by FA

Manchester City defender Martin Demichelis has been charged with misconduct in relation to betting by the Football Association.The FA issued a statement which said”It is alleged the player committed 12 breaches of FA Rule E8 concerning football matches between 22 January 2016 and 28 January 2016.He has until 5pm on 5 April 2016 to respond to the charge.”

The 35 year old breached Rule E8 which states: “A Participant shall not bet, either directly or indirectly, or instruct, permit, cause or enable any person to bet on – (i) the result, progress, conduct or any other aspect of, or occurrence in, a football match or competition; or (ii) any other matter concerning or related to football anywhere in the world, including, for example and without limitation, the transfer of players, employment of managers, team selection or disciplinary matters.”

A worldwide ban on betting by those involved in the sport came into effect in August 2014 and this charge is sure to shock many.There is no suggestion Demichelis is suspected of match-fixing or betting on a game involving Manchester City.Neither City nor the player has commented at this stage.Players are also banned from providing inside information to any person for the purpose of betting and from promoting betting activity.

Former Arsenal striker Nicklas Bendtner was fined €100,000 when he displayed Paddy Power underpants at the European Championship in 2012 as it was promotion for betting activity.