FA ends deals with gambling firms including Ladbrokes

The Football Association has ended all sponsorship deals with betting firms following a three-month review process.

Online gambling giant Ladbrokes is among those who will see their deals eliminated.

Chief executive Martin Glenn thanked Ladbrokes for its "professionalism and understanding" on the change of policy.

The betting company's chief executive, Jim Mullen, added: "We understand the FA's decision regarding their commercial partnerships on gambling."

Mullen said Ladbrokes would continue to work with the FA "to ensure the integrity and trust of the sport is maintained".

Football's relationship with gambling has come under recent scrutiny, with midfielder Joey Barton criticising the FA's "dependence on betting companies" following his own battle with gambling addiction whereby he admitted to losing £1.5m

"It's very hard and complex, but everyone needs to take a little bit more responsibility - the PFA [Professional Footballers' Association], the players, the FA and the gambling organisations themselves," the 35-year-old Barton said during a radio broadcast.

The decision to end this commercial relationship with Ladbrokes will cost the FA an estimated £4m a year in sponsorship revenue.

- Aaron Goldstein, Gambling911.com