Sturridge Given Extension to Respond to FA Betting Charge

Yesterday was the original deadline for Sturridge to respond to the charge, but he will be allowed more time to give his defense.

Daniel Sturridge’s footballing fate still remains in the balance, with an on-going investigation into the bets surrounding his loan move to West Brom last January. The striker was given until yesterday to respond to the charges, but that deadline has come and gone.

However, The Echo is reporting today that Sturridge and his legal team have been given an extension to tell their side of the story. There is no official word how long, exactly, that extension is.

The player has denied any wrongdoing, and the club has stated its support for the investigation.

“Daniel has given his full and unequivocal cooperation throughout this process and has assured the club he will continue to do so,” the club said in a statement last week.

“Daniel has also stated categorically that he has never gambled on football.”

Sturridge may not have bet on the loan deal directly, but a flurry of bets on a transfer to West Brom—enough to drastically drive down the odds—seems to indicate that several “in the know” folks bet on the impending move.

If the Judicial Panel finds Sturridge to be in violation of the FA’s betting rules, it could mean a lengthy suspension for the player, anywhere from half a season, to over a year. It would be a real shame for a player whose career has been defined by set-backs, especially in light of his recently improved health and goal-scoring form.

Source: liverpooloffside.sbnation.com