Liverpool’s Sturridge charged over alleged betting breaches
LONDON: Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge has been charged with misconduct in relation to alleged breaches of its betting rules, the English Football Association said on Monday.
The charge relates to the period of January 2018 and the 29year-old England international has until 1800 GMT on Nov 20 to respond, the FA said in a statement.
A Liverpool spokesperson said in an emailed statement that Sturridge was cooperating with the authorities.
“Daniel has given his full and unequivocal cooperation throughout this process and has assured the club he will continue to do so,” the email said.
“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.”
FA rules prohibit players and coaches from betting on any football activity or providing nonpublic information to any other person that is then used for betting.
Sturridge has made 12 appearances for Liverpool in all competitions this season, scoring four goals.
Meanwhile, Besiktas have rubbished reports they want to cut short their loan deal with Liverpool for Loris Karuis, instead insisting they aim to complete a permanent switch.
Karius joined the Turkish outfit on a two-year loan deal at the end of August but has endured mix fortunes during his time in Istanbul.
A high profile error against Malmo in a Europa League defeat has since been followed with the German being dropped from the side in their two most recent encounters.
But Besiktas president Fikret Orman has demanded that the keeper be given more time, while refuting reports that he could be sent back to Anfield with an early return.
“Karius is an excellent keeper, God willing we will sign him on a permanent transfer,” he told Besiktas’s club channel BJK TV.
“These stories are complete nonsense. Give Karius some time is all I’m saying. Karius has a lot of work to do but give him time.”
Karius’s agent Florian Goll echoed Orman’s claims, stating: “Loris is on loan to Besiktas for two years — that’s the situation. The club has no intention of ending this loan contract prematurely.”
Karius appears to have no future at Liverpool following the summer arrival of Alisson.
The Brazilian’s arrival came after Karius made two huge errors in the Champions League final defeat by Real Madrid, as well as in a pre-season match before the start of the Premier League campaign this season.
Karius has conceded 14 goals in 11 games for Besiktas this term and has kept just one clean sheet during his time in the Turkish top flight.