Players from the top eight tiers of the English game are banned from betting on the sport under new rules which came into force on Friday. "We are really proud of the integrity of the game in this country and it is really important people trust... what is happening on the pitch," said Football Association general secretary Alex Horne.
"We want to keep our message as simple as possible - and it cannot be more simple that as a player you cannot bet at all on football."
Club employees and match officials are also restricted by the new rules, which prevent gambling on any football-related matters, including results, goalscorers, in-game play, player transfers, manager changes or promotions and relegations.
The rules apply to bets made in person, online, on the telephone or with friends. Participants are also not allowed to instruct any third party to place any bet on their behalf.
