In a stunning revelation, former Cheltenham, Shrewsbury, and Exeter striker Ryan Bowman has been handed a 42-month ban by the Football Association (FA) for placing a staggering 6,397 bets over an eight-year period. The 33-year-old, who was released by Cheltenham this summer, has admitted to all charges brought against him.

The Betting Timeline

• December 2020 to July 2021: While at Exeter, Bowman placed nearly 2,600 bets.
• August 2021 to July 2023: During his time at Shrewsbury, he placed another 3,100 bets.

The Controversial Incident

One of the most contentious allegations involves Bowman placing a bet from the substitutes bench during a game between Shrewsbury and MK Dons in January 2023. Despite his denial, the FA commission found substantial evidence to support this claim.

The Ban

Bowman's ban will run until September 2028, effectively sidelining him from professional football for the next four years. This decision has sent shockwaves through the football community, raising questions about the integrity of the sport.

What’s Next?

As the football world digests this news, the FA continues to investigate further to ensure the integrity of the game. This case serves as a stark reminder of the severe consequences of violating betting regulations in professional sports.

For more updates, stay tuned to our latest Football Daily podcast and get football news sent straight to your phone.