FYI.

This story is over 5 years old.

Sports

Burnley FC's Joey Barton Charged by FA for Breaking Betting Rules

It's still uncertain exactly what actions the FA will take against Barton who broke betting rules 1,260 times in ten years

Joey Barton has been charged for misconduct in relation to betting: https://t.co/ne3wrCGD6Q
— The FA (@FA) December 23, 2016

There are rules in the Premier League—and just about every other league—that prevent players from making bets on games. And it makes absolute, perfect sense; if you can directly or indirectly effect the outcome, then stay away.

So when the Football Association, the sport's governing body in England, discovered that recent Burnley FC signee Joey Barton had bet on over 1,260 soccer games over the past 10 years, they decided that maybe it was time to charge him.

Advertisement

It's uncertain which matches Barton has placed bets on, but the FA announced the charges today, based on alleged violations of Rule E8. Barton had already been given a one-match suspension by the Scottish Football Association—during his eight-game stint with the Glasgow Rangers earlier this year—for breaking their betting rules with 44 wagers on different games in Scotland. He was later suspended for a training-ground dust-up, and never returned to the Scottish side.

The 34-year-old midfielder then inked a deal with former club Burnley FC just three days ago, effective January 1, and came under scrutiny for his betting habits upon his reentry into the Premier League.

The FA E8 rules state that:

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, 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, employ

"Anywhere in the world" seems pretty clear. With 1,260 alleged violations, it seems like Barton is toast. It's still uncertain exactly what actions the FA will take against Barton, but I can't imagine they'll take it easy on him.