No need for football betting levy say bookmakers

Representatives of the betting industry have responded to the idea of a betting levy on football by saying the sport is rich enough as it is.

The Daily Telegraph reported this month the Football Association was pushing for a levy along the same lines as horseracing's central funding system, the proceeds of which would be directed to grassroots football.

That came in the wake of Burnley player Joey Barton's 18-month ban for gambling on matches after which it emerged the FA is compiling a report on whether it is appropriate to have official relationships with bookmakers, as well as alcohol companies.