Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge charged with breaching FA betting rules

The charge is believed to have occurred during Sturridge's loan spell at West Bromwich Albion in January

Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge has been charged with an alleged breach of the Football Association betting rules. The alleged breach is believed to have occurred during Sturridge's loan spell at West Brom, where the Liverpool striker played six games without scoring a goal as the Baggies were relegated. The FA have confirmed that the breach is related to Rule E8(1)(a)(ii) and Rule E8(1)(b). Rule E8(1)(a)(ii): "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 or in connection with, 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." Rule E8(1)(b): "Where a participant provides to any other person any information relating to football which the participant has obtained by virtue of his or her position within the game and which is not publicly available at that time, the participant shall be in breach of this Rule where any of that information is used by that other person for, or in relation to, betting." In a statement, Liverpool have addressed the charge against Sturridge: "Daniel has given his full and unequivocal cooperation throughout this process and has assured the club he will continue to do so. Daniel has also stated categorically that he has never gambled on football. "As with any issue of this nature, we will allow the process to be concluded in its entirety before making any further comment."