The English Football Association has decided to fine center back Martin Demichelis for his role in gambling this past season.
Manchester City center back Martin Demichelis has been fined £22,058 by the English Football Association for betting. The FA determined that the defender bet on 29 matches from January 22 to February 16, 2016. He was initially charged on March 30 but has been officially fined now.
Demichelis told ESPN Deportes when he was first charged that he didn’t know about the rule and stated that in other leagues, betting is allowed.”In Spain, this is allowed [betting on matches outside of one’s own], or it was just prohibited. But once I can get informed with the lawyers I will speak with much more certainty than at this moment. I have no problem telling the truth, I am not one to hide.”
Demichelis charges could’ve been worse, as he escaped being banned globally for his role in betting. Former instances saw current Newcastle midfielder and England international Andros Townsend suspended for four months and fined £18,000 in 2013. Bournemouth midfield Dan Golsing is a more recent culprit, being fined £30,000 in 2014.
This charge is just an ongoing role that the FA is trying to do to kick out gambling within its league and continue making the game ‘special’. Rule E8, which can be found on the FA website, states, “No Participant can bet on a match or competition in which they are involved that season, or which they can influence, or any other football-related matter concerning the league that they play in.”
Demichelis will not fight this charge laid onto him and will pay the fine he owes. The 35-year-old Argentinian will likely be leaving Manchester City, according to ESPN. The club will not offer him a new contract this summer and could return home to his native Argentina.
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