SBC News Voice of the Sports Betting Industry
Brentford footballer Ivan Toney has expressed concern about recent reports claiming that he has confessed to breaching FA betting rules.
A statement released by the 26-year-old striker on his Instagram (IG) account informed followers that his lawyer’s were ‘writing to the FA to request that they conduct a leak inquiry’.
The Daily Mail reported yesterday that Toney had confessed to a number of betting breaches but continues to deny others, having been charged with 232 violations of FA rules on wagering back in November 2022, and a further 30 the following month.
His statement read: “I was shocked and disappointed to see press speculation yesterday and today about the FA investigation process concerning me after I have been told by the FA that it is a confidential process until any decision has been made.
“It is especially disturbing for me to read that the FA is saying I shall be banned from football for six months before there has even been a hearing and it does make me worried about the process.”
According to Sky Sports News, Toney could face a ban of up to six months if found guilty of betting, standing accused of placing bets whilst playing for Scunthorpe United, Peterborough United and Wigan Athletic.
Although the alleged bets were placed in the years before he joined newly-promoted Premier League side Brentford, the FA’s Rule E8 prohibits professional players throughout the English football pyramid for placing bets.
Toney’s IG statement continued: “My lawyers will be writing to the FA to request that they conduct a leak inquiry, as this is the second time stories have appeared in the newspapers – the last time was just before the selection for the England World Cup squad.
“As I continue to be told the investigation is meant to be confidential, I am unable to provide any further comment and shall continue to concentrate on my football.”
Toney is the most high profile English footballer to be implicated in betting violations since Kieren Trippier was handed a 10 week ban back in 2021.
The FA found that the defender – who currently plays for Newcastle United – had informed friends in a WhatsApp group of his impending move from Tottenham Hotspur to Atletico Madrid, encouraging some to place bets on the transfer.
