French football authorities have banned Ghana defender Alexander Djiku for engaging in sports betting activities.
The FA Rule E8 prohibits all professional players from the Premier League, EFL Championship, League One and League Two, National League, National League North and South and Trident Leagues from any form of football betting.
He is among 76 players , coaches and managers sanctioned for failing to respect the ban on sports betting during the 2020-2021 season.
“These offenses are committed even though, together, the LFP and the UNFP (the players’ union) carry out awareness or information campaigns with clubs on a daily basis,” a statement said.
Djiku, who is a member of the Black Stars 2022 World Cup squad will serve a one game ban due following a thorough investigation by the Professional Football League (LFP).
The Strasbourg centre-back will miss the return of the Ligue 1 matches over the serious offence and he will be absent for the big clash with giants PSG because of the ban.
PSG women’s goalkeeper coach Guillaume Lemire is reported to have received the heaviest penalty: a four-match suspension and a fine of €1,000.
Five Ligue 1 male players have also been punished. Auxerre goalkeeper Donovan Léon is suspended for five games, three of which are suspended.
Brest striker Irvin Cardona received four matches including two suspended and a €1,500 fine while Sacha Delaye of Montpellier.
Cameroon defender Jean-Charles Castelletto of Nantes has also been sanctioned, according to French media reports.