Speaking to the Times newspaper, Clarke said that he has ordered a report into whether it is appropriate for the FA to have official relationships with betting operators.
The governing body signed a "long-term” deal with Ladbrokes in June 2016 to become its "official betting partner” following a similar agreement with William Hill. The FA also has commercial deals with alcoholic drinks firms such as Budweiser and a report – ordered at the start of the season by Clarke – into whether such agreements are appropriate is due to be published in the summer. "The sport has a duty to consider and ask itself what is right,” Clarke told the newspaper.
Last month, former England international Joey Barton, who currently plays for top-tier Premier League club Burnley, was handed an 18-month ban after admitting to a misconduct breach related to betting.
Barton was found to have placed 1,260 bets between March 26, 2006, and May 13, 2016, thus breaching strict FA rules regarding betting on football.
The midfielder has said he intends to appeal the length of the ban, adding that there should be further action take over what he described as an "explosion of sports betting” in recent years.
A group of experts echoed Barton’s comments and urged
both regulators and the government to address the problem.
Source: GMB / igamingbusiness.com
