Merson, 26, confessed in a newspaper interview last week that he regularly spent 150 pounds ($230) a night supporting his addiction. He also said he had run up large gambling debts.
"In our view, a complex and unprecedented situation demands that the first priority must be rehabilitation," English soccer officials said in a statement following a meeeting with the player.
When he returns to soccer will depend on the agreement of doctors, FA officials and Merton himself.
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