Choprs brassic
Wed Jan 09, 2013 1:36 pm
Michael Chopra says he cannot afford legal fees for BHA inquiry
Ipswich striker Michael Chopra says he cannot afford the £50,000 legal fees to defend himself at a British Horseracing Authority inquiry.
The 29-year-old has been charged by the BHA for "serious breaches of the rules of racing" and the inquiry will be start on Monday, 14 January.
Chopra, who admitted a gambling problem, said he has "extensive debts".
"I simply cannot afford the amount of money necessary to clear my name," Chopra said in a statement.
The Ipswich forward said he has been advised that, even if he is found innocent, the BHA would not refund his legal costs.
However, it is understood Chopra could make an application to have his legal fees refunded if he is cleared, although he would have to prove the case was unfairly brought against him.
Chopra also believes he does not fall within the jurisdiction of the BHA's rules.
Therefore, Chopra says the only punishment the racing authority can hand him is a ban from racecourses and gambling establishments licensed by it.
Any racing ban by the BHA prevents dealings with licensed individuals, which includes jockeys, trainers, owners and stable staff.
The Ipswich forward admits such a sanction from the BHA would be a "useful mechanism" in helping him to address his gambling problems.
"I am not a member of the British Horseracing Authority and not subject to its rules," said Chopra.
"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 excluded myself from all betting institutions from where I live in Ipswich in order to help me fight this illness,"
Chopra was among a group charged by the BHA over an investigation into "suspicious betting activity".
Ipswich striker Michael Chopra says he cannot afford the £50,000 legal fees to defend himself at a British Horseracing Authority inquiry.
The 29-year-old has been charged by the BHA for "serious breaches of the rules of racing" and the inquiry will be start on Monday, 14 January.
Chopra, who admitted a gambling problem, said he has "extensive debts".
"I simply cannot afford the amount of money necessary to clear my name," Chopra said in a statement.
The Ipswich forward said he has been advised that, even if he is found innocent, the BHA would not refund his legal costs.
However, it is understood Chopra could make an application to have his legal fees refunded if he is cleared, although he would have to prove the case was unfairly brought against him.
Chopra also believes he does not fall within the jurisdiction of the BHA's rules.
Therefore, Chopra says the only punishment the racing authority can hand him is a ban from racecourses and gambling establishments licensed by it.
Any racing ban by the BHA prevents dealings with licensed individuals, which includes jockeys, trainers, owners and stable staff.
The Ipswich forward admits such a sanction from the BHA would be a "useful mechanism" in helping him to address his gambling problems.
"I am not a member of the British Horseracing Authority and not subject to its rules," said Chopra.
"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 excluded myself from all betting institutions from where I live in Ipswich in order to help me fight this illness,"
Chopra was among a group charged by the BHA over an investigation into "suspicious betting activity".
Re: Choprs brassic
Wed Jan 09, 2013 1:46 pm
100/30 that he gets away with it
50 grand --tel them to shove it Chops
The ban is hardly a big deal -- wont stop him gambling
50 grand --tel them to shove it Chops
The ban is hardly a big deal -- wont stop him gambling
Re: Choprs brassic
Wed Jan 09, 2013 1:54 pm
Good luck Chops 