Betting & Integrity
Match Fixing, Gambling & Inside Information
Participants in football are prohibited from betting on any football match or competition worldwide. This includes direct betting, instructing others to bet, and sharing inside information that could influence betting markets.
Key Points
- No betting on any football match or competition globally
- Prohibition on instructing, inducing, or permitting others to bet on your behalf
- Inside information must not be shared for betting purposes
- Match-fixing and manipulation of results is a serious breach
- Applies to players, managers, coaches, and club officials
- Rules cover all forms of betting including online and in-person
- No involvement in spread betting or any derivative betting market
Penalties
Breaches can result in suspensions, fines, and lifetime bans from football. Recent cases have seen players banned for periods ranging from several months to permanent exclusion from the game, depending on the severity of the offence.
Detailed Information
The FA Betting Rules prohibit all Participants from betting, either directly or indirectly, on any football match or competition that takes place anywhere in the world. This includes the following prohibited activities:
1. Betting on the result, progress, conduct or any other aspect of any football match or competition
This covers all types of bets including match results, goal scorers, cards shown, corners, and any other betting market related to football.
2. Instructing, inducing, encouraging or permitting any other person to bet
You cannot ask friends, family, or anyone else to place bets for you or based on information you have provided.
3. Providing inside information for betting purposes
Sharing non-public information about team selections, injuries, tactics, or any other information that could give someone a betting advantage is strictly prohibited.
4. Participating in any scheme to circumvent these rules
Any attempt to get around the betting rules through third parties, shell accounts, or other means is a serious breach.
Who Does This Apply To?
The rules apply to all Participants, which includes:
- Players at all levels (professional and amateur)
- Managers and head coaches
- Assistant coaches and backroom staff
- Match officials and referees
- Club officials and directors
- Anyone employed by or contracted to The FA, a Competition, or a Club
Source
The FA Handbook - Betting Rules (Section E)
Last Updated: 2024-25 Season