Manchester City and England defender Kyle Walker is facing a fine of around $500,000 after being accused of ignoring quarantine rules to host a party with two sex workers.
Walker and a friend are alleged to have paid two women to visit his home last Tuesday.
Walker, 29, has apologised but faces a substantial fine – two weeks wages have been suggested – with Manchester City conducting an internal disciplinary investigation.
“I want to issue a public apology for the choices I made last week which have resulted in a story today [Sunday] about my private life in a tabloid newspaper,” Walker said in a statement.
“There are heroes out there making a vital difference to society at the moment, and I have been keen to help support and highlight their amazing sacrifices and life-saving work over the past week.
“My actions in this matter are in direct contrast to what I should have been doing regarding the lockdown. And I want to reiterate the message: Stay home, stay safe.”
Walker’s alleged breach was reported by The Sun and followed up by other British media. They claim the escorts left Walker’s residence on Wednesday, the same day the player urged the public via his social media to follow government advice on social distancing and prevent the NHS from becoming overwhelmed during the coronavirus pandemic.
One of the escorts told The Sun they had stayed with Walker and his friend for three hours at a cost of around $4500.
