Manchester United striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic's betting firm launch postponed amid FA concerns

Ibrahimovic was expected to help unveil the firm ‘BetHard’ at an event in Manchester next Monday

Zlatan Ibrahimovic is expected to leave Manchester United at the end of the season (Getty)

A betting company has been forced to postpone its UK launch following concerns about the involvement of Manchester United striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

Ibrahimovic was expected to help unveil ‘BetHard’ at an event in Manchester next Monday, with the company aiming to become one of Europe’s biggest betting brands.

However, it emerged on Tuesday night that Ibrahimovic’s involvement may violate strict Football Association rules regarding gambling. Organisers have now confirmed that the launch has been indefinitely pushed back.

Under Rule E8 of the FA’s Rules of the Association, players - as well as coaches, officials and others defined as “participants” in football - are prohibited from betting on the sport.

Rule E8(3) also prohibits players, coaches and other ‘participants’ from advertising or promoting betting activity that they are restricted from engaging in.

Ibrahimovic, who has made just seven appearances for United this season, would likely have faced an investigation from English football’s governing body and potential punishment had the event gone ahead as planned.

The 36-year-old striker has only made seven appearances for United this season while struggling with the after-effects of a serious knee injury.

Ibrahimovic is expected to leave Old Trafford when his contract expires at the end of the season.