FA investigates Rooney '£700,000 gambling debt'
By Jessica Lamb
(Filed: 09/04/2006)
Claims that Wayne Rooney, the England and Manchester United striker, has run up gambling debts of £700,000 are being investigated by the Football Association.
Sven Goran Eriksson, the England coach, will talk to the £50,000-a-week player about the allegations, the FA said last night. The alleged debts came to light only two months before 20-year-old Rooney and his team-mates play their first match at the World Cup in Germany.
Wayne Rooney: £700,000 debts?
A spokesman for Rooney refused to discuss today's report in the Sunday Mirror, saying: "We have got absolutely no comment to make."
Adam Bevington, the FA director of communications, said: "We are unaware of any problems in the England team dressing room due to issues surrounding gambling or anything else come to that. Under Sven, the England team have enjoyed a fantastic spirit within the camp, a point that is regularly made by the players publicly.
"It's important the fans know that everyone connected to the FA and the England team is determined to do all they can to achieve success in Germany."
But, Mr Bevington added: "There is little the FA can do to prevent any individuals gambling privately on horse or greyhound racing though there are rules preventing betting on any football matches or competitions they are involved in."
By Jessica Lamb
(Filed: 09/04/2006)
Claims that Wayne Rooney, the England and Manchester United striker, has run up gambling debts of £700,000 are being investigated by the Football Association.
Sven Goran Eriksson, the England coach, will talk to the £50,000-a-week player about the allegations, the FA said last night. The alleged debts came to light only two months before 20-year-old Rooney and his team-mates play their first match at the World Cup in Germany.
Wayne Rooney: £700,000 debts?
A spokesman for Rooney refused to discuss today's report in the Sunday Mirror, saying: "We have got absolutely no comment to make."
Adam Bevington, the FA director of communications, said: "We are unaware of any problems in the England team dressing room due to issues surrounding gambling or anything else come to that. Under Sven, the England team have enjoyed a fantastic spirit within the camp, a point that is regularly made by the players publicly.
"It's important the fans know that everyone connected to the FA and the England team is determined to do all they can to achieve success in Germany."
But, Mr Bevington added: "There is little the FA can do to prevent any individuals gambling privately on horse or greyhound racing though there are rules preventing betting on any football matches or competitions they are involved in."