Retired English football standout Daniel Sturridge received a four-month suspension from all football activities due to violations of gambling regulations.
Initially given a six-week suspension last summer, the Football Association (FA) contested the ruling, and an independent appeals panel subsequently lengthened the suspension and increased his penalty to £150,000 ($192,000).
The former Liverpool forward was determined to have directed his brother to wager on a possible transfer to Spanish team Sevilla, supplying him with privileged knowledge to place the bet.
A worldwide wagering prohibition in football forbids anyone engaged in the sport, from the Premier League to the eighth tier, from gambling directly or indirectly on any football-related matter, encompassing match outcomes or player acquisitions.
This includes conveying confidential information to others that is then utilized for gambling purposes.
An FA announcement stated the appeals panel determined the regulatory commission had incorrectly implemented FA regulations concerning the utilization of insider information and made factual conclusions that lacked support.
The appeals panel also found evidence to substantiate two additional charges that were previously dismissed.
Sturridge previously experienced the termination of his contract with Turkish Super Lig club Trabzonspor by mutual agreement after a mere eight months. The suspension will remain in effect until June 17th.
Daniel opted for the video platform to express his viewpoint on the Football Association’s ruling, stating: