West Brom loan ‘at centre of Daniel Sturridge probe’
Daniel Sturridge’s loan move to Albion appears to form the central thread to a Football Association misconduct charge for breaching betting rules.
The 29-year-old has stressed to Liverpool that he “categorically has never gambled on football” and it is understood a lengthy investigation by the FA has centred around his temporary switch to the Baggies on January 29. In late January Sturridge, who had also been linked to Inter Milan and Sevilla, held talks with Newcastle manager Rafael Benitez.
However, he opted to move to The Hawthorns as he was born in Birmingham and had family in the area, which he said was the main influence on his decision.
But he made just six appearances for West Brom in the second half of the season after injury sidelined him for two months early in his spell at The Hawthorns.
Sturridge has until November 20 to respond to the charge.
If found guilty he could be fined or even suspended, depending on the severity of the breach.
He was charged on Monday with breaches in relation to rule rule E8(1)(a)(ii) and rule E8(1)(b), during the period of January 2018.
A spokesman for Liverpool 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.”
Albion have made no comment.
