9 Football Players Who Broke Betting Rules

October 2, 2025 Aksel Kryhlmand

The Football Association (FA) enforces strict betting regulations to preserve the integrity of the game. These rules prohibit players, coaches, and club staff across England’s top eight tiers—and the top two in the women’s game—from betting on football or sharing inside information. Here are nine high-profile cases involving Premier League players who broke those rules.

9. Martin Demichelis – Fined £22,058 (2016)

While playing for Manchester City, Martin Demichelis placed 29 bets on football matches over a four-week span in 2016. The FA found him guilty but chose not to impose a ban, issuing only a fine. Demichelis left City that summer to join Espanyol and later moved into management.

8. Cameron Jerome – Fined £50,000 (2013)

Then at Stoke City, Cameron Jerome was fined £50,000 for repeatedly breaching betting regulations. He avoided suspension, likely because none of the bets involved matches or competitions he was part of. The FA issued a warning regarding his future conduct.

7. Andros Townsend – 4-Month Suspended Ban, Fined £18,000 (2013)

In 2013, Andros Townsend received a four-month ban, with three months suspended, and an £18,000 fine. Though he didn’t bet on games he played in, the breach was serious enough to force him to withdraw from England’s U21 squad for the European Championship that summer.

6. Harry Toffolo – 5-Month Suspended Ban, Fined £20,956 (2023)

Toffolo was found guilty of 375 betting breaches between 2014 and 2017, mostly during his time at Norwich. The FA acknowledged that mental health issues played a role in his actions. His suspended ban remains in effect through the end of the 2024/25 season.

5. Kieran Trippier – 10-Week Ban, Fined £70,000 (2020)

Trippier was banned for 10 weeks after he was found guilty of sharing inside information about his move to Atlético Madrid in 2019. He had reportedly told friends to bet on the transfer before it became public. The ban caused him to miss 11 matches and cost him £70,000.

4. Daniel Sturridge – 4-Month Ban, Fined £150,000 (2020)

Sturridge initially received a light sentence, but the FA appealed and handed him a four-month ban and a record £150,000 fine. He had encouraged his brother to bet on a possible transfer to Sevilla in 2018. The case led to the termination of his contract in Turkey and impacted his international career.

3. Ivan Toney – 8-Month Ban, Fined £50,000 (2023)

The Brentford striker admitted to 232 betting rule breaches, including bets on his own team and himself. Initially facing a 15-month ban, Toney’s suspension was reduced to eight months due to a diagnosed gambling addiction. He returned in time to play for England at Euro 2024.

2. Sandro Tonali – 10-Month Ban, Fined £37,380 (2023)

Tonali was banned for 10 months after betting on games during his time at AC Milan. After joining Newcastle, he was also found to have placed bets on the team to win. In addition to his punishment, he was ordered to speak to young players about the dangers of gambling.

1. Joey Barton – 18-Month Ban, Fined £30,000 (2017)

Barton received the longest suspension on record after placing 1,260 bets over a 10-year period. Some of the bets involved his own team losing—though he wasn’t playing. Barton admitted to a gambling addiction and claimed his punishment was harsher because of his controversial reputation.

Still Pending: Lucas Paquetá – Possible Lifetime Ban (2025)

lucas paqueta — A.Taoualit / Shutterstock.com

The West Ham midfielder is under investigation for allegedly seeking yellow cards on purpose to manipulate betting markets. He’s also been charged with failing to cooperate with the FA’s inquiry. A hearing is scheduled for March 2025 and could result in a lifetime ban—an unprecedented punishment in English football.