The British Horseracing Authority has handed Blues striker Michael Chopra a 10-year disqualification from racing after he was found guilty of breaching the rules of racing. It means Chopra is banned from racecourses, gambling establishments licensed by the BHA and stables, and from having contact with individuals licensed by the BHA.
Chopra was found guilty of breaching Rule (A)41.2, "Conspiring with others to commit a corrupt and fraudulent practice” which led to the 10-year disqualification.
Breaching Rule (A)33.1.2, "Offering a bribe” led to "no separate penalty, [as was] viewed as part of [the] overall conspiracy”.
Chopra has seven days to appeal but is unlikely to do so. Prior to the inquiry, the 29-year-old said in a statement that he would welcome such a ban: "I have been advised that the British Horseracing Authority is only allowed under its rules to take disciplinary action against a person who is subject to those rules, which does not include me.
"Furthermore, I understand that the only sanction that the British Horseracing Authority could impose on me is to ban me from racecourses and gambling establishments licensed by it.
"It is well publicised that I have a gambling addiction problem and I see any such sanctions as being a useful mechanism in helping me to address these problems. As of this year, I’ve voluntarily self-excluded myself from all betting institutions from where I live in Ipswich in order to help me fight this illness.”
Earlier, Town said that Chopra would not be adding to his earlier statement.