Ryan Bowman banned for 3.5 years over betting breach
The Football Association (FA) has banned former Shrewsbury and Cheltenham Town striker Ryan Bowman from all football activity for three and a half years, following a major breach of betting regulations.
Between 15 June 2022 and 13 September 2023, Bowman placed 6,397 bets on football matches, some of which involved clubs he was playing for at the time, including one that he may have placed while on the substitute bench. Although the majority of the wagers did not concern his own teams, the FA confirmed that the breaches were severe enough to warrant one of the longest suspensions in recent years.
According to the FA, Bowman used accounts belonging to other individuals to place many of the bets, a practice which further compounded the severity of the infractions. He admitted to the charges brought against him.
Industry implications
Bowman’s case is another high-profile example of regulatory bodies enforcing strict rules around betting integrity, and rules that have become more visible and less negotiable in recent seasons. While the total number of bets placed by the player (6,397) is eye-catching, it is the nature of the violations, including using proxy accounts, that motivated the FA’s decision to impose such a lengthy ban.
Bowman’s ban is a clear example of how seriously the FA takes its betting rules. With thousands of bets placed over a 15-month period, the case shows just how far the consequences can go when those rules are broken.
FA warning: “Your reputation, your responsibility, your career”
“Think you won’t get caught? Think again,” read an extract from the .
“Match-fixing, or breaching the FA betting rules, or using inside information, is serious stuff. The FA, the Gambling Commission and betting companies have sophisticated systems to monitor and detect breaches of the betting rules.”
The governing body emphasised the extent of its investigatory powers and the consequences of non-compliance: “If you attempt to match fix, or breach the FA betting rules, or pass on inside information, you are likely to get caught and receive a FA charge.
“The FA has the power to interview you and to require you to produce records such as itemised phone bills, betting account statements and bank statements.”
“If found guilty, then this can lead to financial penalties, suspensions, and in some instances, lifetime bans,” the statement added.
“Remember, it’s your reputation, your responsibility and your career.”
Cheltenham Town: offences occurred before his arrival
In a , Cheltenham Town sought to distance themselves from the offences, while thanking the player for his professionalism during a difficult period.
“Cheltenham Town Football Club acknowledges the recently published disciplinary case by the FA regarding former striker Ryan Bowman,” the club said.
“The decision of an independent disciplinary commission was made to impose a ban of three-and-a-half years on Ryan for breaches of FA betting regulations. The offences, which all took place prior to Ryan signing for Cheltenham Town, date back for a number of seasons.”
The League One side also revealed they were aware Bowman was under investigation when they signed him ahead of the 2024/25 season, but “the full extent of the offences was not known until October, when charges were brought under the FA’s betting regulations.”
“Club officials supported Ryan through what has been a difficult time for him and despite his departure from Cheltenham Town this summer, again we would like to place on record our thanks to him and wish him and his family all the best for the future,” the club added.
