Zlatan Ibrahimovic Could Be In Trouble With The FA

Zlatan Ibrahimovic isn't exactly the kind of man who isn't used to a bit of controversy but even he won't be thrilled to learn he could be in trouble with the English Football Association.

For a man usually not wanting to shy away from the limelight Zlatan Ibrahimovic has been rather conspicuous by his absence for Manchester United for most of this season, especially as it could be his last in a top league, or as a footballer.

Zlatan signed for Manchester United last season and despite missing the end of the season with an injury he was the Red Devils' top scorer. He missed the first part of this term with the same injury but signed a new deal and returned before Christmas.

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But the Swede only played five league games for Jose Mourinho and hasn't been seen since the Boxing Day draw with Burnley and barely even been heard from, a rare thing for Zlatan.

One of the few pieces of news from the former Inter Milan striker is his new ambassadorial role with sports betting site BetHard. And according to the Mirror that could be about to get him in trouble with the FA.

The governing body are about to look into whether his role with the company is against their laws when it comes to gambling in football.

Zlatan scored 28 goals in all competitions last season. Image: PA Images

As well as obviously being banned from betting on football, including transfers and managerial appointments, players are also not supposed to promote or advertise the past time either.

The paper reports that the FA rule on the subject says, "An individual participant, when acting in a personal capacity, shall not be permitted to advertise or promote any betting activity that the participant is prohibited from engaging in by rule E8(1) or E8(2)."

Barton was initially banned for 18 months before it was reduced to 13. Image: PA Images

Joey Barton was recently banned from football until June 1st for his gambling on football games over a 10 year period. When the punishment was handed out the midfielder pointed out the incredible amounts of gambling advertising and sponsorship in football.

He has a point too with so many clubs being sponsored by gambling websites and even the football league being sponsored by Sky Bet.

With his contract running out in June Zlatan's last contribution to English football could be a ban over gambling.

Topics: Football News, Manchester United, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Premier League, FA

Ryan Sidle

Ryan is a writer for SPORTbible. He covers all sport from football, formula one, cricket, rugby, tennis, athletics, mma and wrestling. He obviously hates YOUR football team and has no interest in synchronised swimming.

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