Rooney 'has £700,000 gambling debts'

England boss Sven Goran Eriksson will talk to star striker Wayne Rooney over allegations that he has racked up £700,000 (€1m) of gambling debts, the FA said today.

Rooney, who earns an estimated £50,000 (€72,000) a week on the pitch and millions more a year from sponsorship deals, is one of a number of England players said to be involved in betting on sports other than their own, according to the Sunday Mirror.

It is not the first time England players have been linked to the pursuit of gambling.

Manchester United coach Alex Ferguson – who owns his own racehorse – and former England boss Kevin Keegan have reputations for enjoying a bit of a flutter.

Michael Owen, who owns four racehorses, is well known for his love of gambling and in 2003 he admitted to being an “occasional” gambler who had run up £30,000-£40,000 (€43,000-€57,500) losses from his bets.

At the time he said: “This publicity will not stop my love for horses. They are my main hobby outside of football.”

He went on: “I fully accept that high profile sports people like me are a role model for youngsters and I would never encourage anyone to gamble.”

A spokesman for Rooney, 20, refused to discuss the newspaper’s claims saying: “We have got absolutely no comment to make at all.”

The Football Association said although Eriksson would not launch an inquiry into the claims he would speak to the players allegedly involved to establish exactly what the situation is.

The players are due to take up their World Cup bid in Germany in less than two months’ time.

Director of Communications Adrian Bevington said: “The FA would like to make it clear we are unaware of any problems in the England team dressing room due to issues surrounding gambling or anything else come to that.

“Under Sven the England team have enjoyed a fantastic spirit within the camp, a fact that is regularly made by the players publicly. This spirit has ensured qualification to three consecutive tournaments.

“However, on being made aware of these allegations by the Sunday Mirror we believe England head coach Sven-Goran Eriksson will speak to the players allegedly involved to clarify the facts.

“It’s important the fans know that everyone connected to the FA and the England team is determined to do all they can to achieve success in Germany this summer.”

But, Mr Bevington added: “We should also state that there is little the FA can do to prevent any individuals gambling privately on horse or greyhound racing though there are rules preventing betting on any football matches or competitions they are involved in.”