Friday 23 May 2014 14:26, UK
Professional footballers in England will be banned from betting on matches anywhere in the world from next season.
The ruling, which comes into force on August 1, was ratified at the Football Association's AGM and applies to any player in the top eight tiers of the English league system.
This worldwide ban replaces the current restrictions that prevent players from betting on competitions in which their club was involved.
Tottenham winger Andros Townsend, Newcastle's Dan Gosling and Stoke's Cameron Jerome are among those found to have breached current betting regulations.
Players will also be prohibited from passing on inside information to a third party who uses that information for betting.
A statement on the FA website read: "Participants covered by the ban will be prohibited from betting, either directly or indirectly, on any football match or competition that takes place anywhere in the world.
"The changes to FA Rules from the start of the 2014/15 season will also effect a worldwide prohibition on betting on any other football-related matter.
"For example, the transfer of players, employment of managers or team selection. The passing of inside information to somebody that uses the information for betting remains prohibited."
