Striker Ryan Bowman Handed 42-Month Ban for Betting Offences
In a significant development for English football, Ryan Bowman, a striker who has played for clubs including Shrewsbury Town and Cheltenham Town, has been banned from all football activities for 42 months (three-and-a-half years) by an independent disciplinary commission of the Football Association (FA). The decision was announced on Wednesday, July 9, 2025.
The Details of the Ban
The ban stems from multiple breaches of the FA's betting rules. Bowman admitted to placing a staggering 6,397 bets on football matches between June 2015 and September 2023. This extensive betting activity included 243 games in which he or his club were involved.
Key details of his betting activities include:
- Total Bets: 6,397 bets placed on football matches.
- Time Period: June 2015 to September 2023.
- Involvement in Matches: 243 bets were placed on games in which he or his club participated.
- Financial Implications: Bowman spent £203,758.57 on bets, with returns of £182,189.85, resulting in a net loss of £21,548.72.
- Specific Instances:
- During his time at Shrewsbury Town (August 2021 to July 2022), he placed 1,948 bets, with 147 involving games he or the club were playing.
- In the 2022-23 season, he placed 1,259 bets, with 92 involving Shrewsbury Town matches.
- He placed a £20 bet on himself to score in an FA Cup game, cashing it out before the match began. He later scored twice in that game.
- For four consecutive matches at the end of the 2022-23 season, Bowman bet on his Shrewsbury side to lose.
- He placed a bet while on the bench during a game against MK Dons in January 2024.
The FA's Stance and Bowman's Response
The FA stated that there was a "lack of honesty" from Bowman during initial interviews until he was confronted with irrefutable evidence. Bowman took full responsibility for his actions and admitted all charges against him.
This ban will prevent Bowman from playing professional football until September 2028. The decision highlights the FA's strict regulations against gambling in football, aiming to protect the integrity of the sport.
Financial Details and Investigation
Over the eight-year period, Bowman wagered a total of £203,758.57, with returns of £182,189.85, resulting in a net loss of £21,548.72. Some of his individual bets during the 2015-16 season exceeded £1,000.
The FA's report noted that there was a "lack of honesty" from the player during initial interviews until he was presented with irrefutable evidence, after which he admitted to all charges. Both Cheltenham Town and Shrewsbury Town have released statements acknowledging the commission's decision.