The English Football Association has charged Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge over misconduct relating to alleged breaches of betting rules despite clearly denying he has ever gambled on football.

The 29-year-old has been charged specifically in relation to Rule E8(1)(a)(ii) and Rule E8(1)(b), during the period of January 2018.

The first rule states that a player “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”.

The second rule bans players from providing information for use in betting, “which the participant has obtained by virtue of his or her position within the game and which is not publicly available at that time”.

Sturridge joined West Brom on loan in January this year (the period in question) before he returned to Liverpool at the end of the 2017-18 season.

A statement released by a Liverpool FC spokesperson on Monday read: “Daniel has given his full and unequivocal cooperation throughout this process and has assured the club he will continue to do so.

“Daniel has also stated categorically that he has never gambled on football.

“As with any issue of this nature, we will allow the process to be concluded in its entirety before making any further comment.”

Daniel Sturridge has until 6 pm on November 20 to respond to the charge.