Manchester City defender Martin Demichelis has been charged with misconduct in relation to betting by the Football Association.
The Argentina international is accused of 12 breaches of football’s betting guidelines in the space of a week at the end of January.
A statement on the FA website read: “It is alleged the player committed 12 breaches of FA Rule E8 concerning football matches between 22 January 2016 and 28 January 2016.
“He has until 5pm on 5 April 2016 to respond to the charge.”.
New rules which came into force at the start of the 2014-15 season prevent players and coaches from betting on any worldwide footballing activity.
The FA has the right to fine or suspend Demichelis. There is no suggestion that any of the charges relate to Man City matches, according to BBC Sport.
Demichelis has featured 18 times in the Premier League this season, including in City’s recent 1-0 derby defeat to Manchester United.
The 35-year-old was substituted after 53 minutes at the Etihad Stadium after being given a torrid time by United teenager Marcus Rashford.
The former Bayern Munich centre-back joined the Citizens shortly after Manuel Pellegrini’s arrival in 2013, and has made 104 appearances.
He has been a trusted figure throughout Pellegrini’s reign, although might not stay beyond the summer when Pep Guardiola arrives at manager.
Demichelis’s contract at Eastlands expires at the end of the season, according to Sky Sports. This news could bring his City career to a premature end.
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