Derby County's decision to give Wayne Rooney the number 32 squad shirt as part of an apparent partnership with a betting firm could come under scrutiny by the Football Association.

And the former England and Manchester United captain has come under fire from Dr Alan Smith, the Bishop of St Albans who said he had to put fans before his bank balance.

Under current regulations, clubs are allowed to designate "one single area not exceeding 100 square centimetres on the back of the shirt" to any sponsor.

Advertising standards sources suggested the decision to give Rooney the 32 shirt in association with betting firm 32Red could be interpreted by the FA as a potential breach in the rules.

Derby can only be approached by the governing body after Rooney takes the field in January, and the promotion effectively becomes live. The FA is understood to be aware and monitoring the situation.

Both Derby and Neil Banbury, 32Red’s general manager, have confirmed Rooney's surprise transfer from DC United was helped by a sponsorship tie-in. "This record-breaking sponsorship agreement is a significant step for us as we continue to reinvent the model of sponsorship to benefit both club and community," Banbury said.