FA investigate Colback over betting rule breach

Newcastle United midfielder Jack Colback has become the latest Premier League footballer to face allegations of breaching rule E8 on football betting.

The Football Association (FA) will investigate the 26-year old in relation to bets placed on the Atletico Madrid vs Bayern Munich UEFA Champions League semi-final on 27 April.

At present there is no suspicion that Colback placed any wagers on Newcastle United matches, however, the FA will not make any public comment until its investigation into the allegations is concluded and the player faces potential charges.

It has been reported that an ‘online betting exchange’ will form part of the FA’s investigation into Colback’s betting. At the beginning of the 2014-15 season the FA introduced rule E8 – applicable to players in the top eight divisions of English football – which prohibits any bets placed on any football-related activity anywhere in the world.

The FA has the power to fine or suspend any person found guilty of a rule breach.

In March the FA charged Manchester City and Argentine international defender Martin Demichelis with 12 offences of breaching E8. Demichelis pleaded guilty to the charges and has been fined £22,058 and given a warning about his future conduct.

The 35-year old defender breached the rules in respect of 29 bets placed on matches between 22 January 2016 and 15 February 2016