FA end gambling sponsorship links

The Football Association (FA) have ended all of their sponsorships with betting companies, including mutually terminating a long-term deal with Ladbrokes.

The decision comes after a three-month review into the governing body's relationship with gambling firms. The FA says it will continue to share important information with companies to identify suspect betting patterns.

The betting company's chief executive, Jim Mullen, added: "We understand the FA's decision regarding their commercial partnerships on gambling."

Mullen said Ladbrokes would continue to work with the FA "to ensure the integrity and trust of the sport is maintained".

Football's relationship with gambling came under under huge scrutiny recently, with midfielder Joey Barton criticising the FA's "dependence on betting companies".

Barton, who said he is addicted to gambling, was banned from football for 18 months after admitting an FA charge in relation to betting.

JC