Martin Demichelis punishment will only be a fine

When GamingZion first reported his charges for betting on football, there were suggestions a ban could be in order. However, Martin Demichelish punishment is merely a fine.

While betting on sports is a vital part of modern football culture, footballers are strongly prohibited from betting on football. Even betting on foreign leagues can result in punishment. As reported by GamingZion in April, Argentinean centre-back Martin Demichelis was charged with betting on 29 matches between 22 January and 15 February.

Martin Demichelis punishment is a £22000, which would be a substantial amount for most people. However, the Manchester City defender will be relieved that his reprimand didn’t extend to a ban. Other footballer who have accessed online sportsbooks in the UK haven’t been so lucky. Three years ago Andros Townsend, then of Tottenham, was fined £18,000 in addition to a four month ban which resulted in his missing the European U-21 Championship that summer.

Martin Demichelis punishment is surprisingly lenient

Also in 2013, Cameron Jerome, then of Stoke City, was fined £50,000 for betting offenses. A year later, Newcastle’s Dan Gosling was fined £30,000. The differences in punishment may be down to what leagues the footballers bet on.

While none of these footballers were accused of match fixing, it is likely that the English footballers were punished more severely because they were betting on domestic football. The FA, who are responsible for these fines, will feel more responsibility for leagues they control. Furthermore, Englishmen betting on English football are more likely to have insider information.

A final reason for the FA’s leniency in the case of Martin Demichelis punishment may well be at the end of his career in English football. He is out of contract at the end of the season and his recent performances are unlikely to have impressed incoming manager Pep Guardiola. He is not a future England international in need of discipline.