Martin Demichelis betting charges not related to Man City games

Judging by his displays this season, many already suspected that there had to be an ulterior motive for his generosity towards opposition attackers. However, the Martin Demichelis betting charges relate to gambling on overseas football.

[UPDATE 06/04/16: Martin Demichelis has accepted the charges.]

The football association has very strict gambling laws, which Man City’s Argentinean international Martin Demichelis is alleged to have to broken on 12 occasions between the 22nd and 28th of January. For many on twitter, this made a lot of sense: his performances lately, particularly in the derby against Manchester United, have been noticeably poor.

Martin Demichelis betting charges not related to betting on football in the UK

Other footballers punished for betting offenses

• Andros Townsend: Four month ban + £18,000 fine
• Dan Gosling: £30,000 fine
• Teddy Bishop (Ipswich Town): £3,000 fine

However, it seems that his decline is probably just down to age, and maybe his memory has gone too. He must have forgotten that as a footballer it is prohibited that as a sportsman you can’t bet on sports that you play. For UK footballers is prohibited to bet on football in the UK, bet on football in the EU, or even bet on football in other continents. An FA statement in August 2014 announced, “As from today, players, managers, club employees and match officials are not allowed to place any bet on any football matter. This includes not just domestic matches and competitions in England but any football worldwide.”

Several other prominent footballers have also broken football betting laws in recent years. Though a fine is the usual punishment, Andros Townsend was suspended for the European U21 Championship in 2013. Demichelis has till April 5th to respond, so his punishment in not yet known. With Kompany injured, a ban could be problematic to Manchester City. However, even with Demichelis in the team, you wouldn’t bet on Manchester City to win!