The UK Football Association confirmed that it has banned Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Andros Townsend from all football for four months, three of which are suspended, after breaching betting regulations. Townsend was also fined £18,000 for breaching FA Rule E8(b) for misconduct in relation to betting, which he admitted and requested a personal hearing.

A statement from the FA said the penalty is subject to appeal and backdated to 23 May, when the player voluntarily withdrew from the England Under-21 squad for the European Championships. He will therefore be free to take part in Tottenham's pre-season and available to play at the start of the new Premier League campaign.

The charges are related to betting on competitions in which he was involved according to reports, and not to match fixing or placing bets on matches in which he was taking part in. Townsend will also undergo rehabilitation, and is believed to be the first Premier League player to be charged with breaking the new betting rules.