Daniel Sturridge's request for more time to respond to a Football Association betting charge has been granted.
The Liverpool striker was charged for allegedly breaching the FA's betting rules earlier this year, over a move to West Bromwich Albion.
The FA issued a statement saying that the charge is in relation to alleged breaches in January 2018 relating to Rule E8(1)(a)(ii) and Rule E8(1)(b).
Rule E8(1)(a) – a participant shall not bet, either directly or indirectly, or instruct, permit, cause or enable any person to bet on – (i) the result, progress, conduct or any other aspect of, or occurrence in or in connection with, a football match or competition; or (ii) any other matter concerning or related to football anywhere in the world, including, for example and without limitation, the transfer of players, employment of managers, team selection or disciplinary matters.
Rule E8(1)(b) – where a participant provides to any other person any information relating to football which the participant has obtained by virtue of his or her position within the game and which is not publicly available at that time, the participant shall be in breach of this Rule where any of that information is used by that other person for, or in relation to, betting.
Sturridge has had until 6pm on Tuesday 20 November 2018 to respond to the charge of misconduct but requested special consideration to be given more time.
That request has now been granted by the chairman of the FA's Judicial Panel meaning the 29-year-old has until February to respond to the charge.
The delay could see the case drag on till next summer with The FA having to further set up an independent commission to hear the evidence surrounding the Birmingham-born striker's case.
Daniel Sturridge celebrates scoring Liverpool's winner against Paris-Saint Germain on Tuesday. Image: Liverpool FC via Getty Images
Sturridge has categorically denied ever placing a bet to breach the FA's rules but the case is believed to be about information he passed on to a family member.
The Englishman is in to the last year of his contract at Liverpool and is likely to depart Anfield at the end of the season.
