By Victor Kanayo
In England, the Football Association has slammed a lengthy ban on Brentford striker Ivan Toney for violating the FA’s Betting rules.
This was disclosed by the FA in a statement.
FA Statement Against Toney
Part of the statement reads, “Ivan Toney has been suspended from all football and football-related activity with immediate effect for eight months, which runs up to and including 16 January 2024, fined £50,000 and warned as to his future conduct for breaches of The FA’s Betting Rules.
“The Brentford FC forward was charged with 262 breaches of FA Rule E8 in total between 25 February 2017 and 23 January 2021.
“The FA subsequently withdrew 30 of these breaches and he admitted to the remaining 232.
“His sanctions were subsequently imposed by an independent Regulatory Commission following a personal hearing.
“He is permitted to return to training only with his club for the final four months of his suspension starting from 17 September 2023.
“The independent Regulatory Commission’s written reasons for these sanctions will be published in due course, and The FA will wait to review them before commenting further.”
Toney’s Response
Responding, Toney posted on his social media account later on Wednesday, admitting he was “naturally disappointed”.
He wrote: “Today I have received notification of my eight-month ban from football following a hearing before an FA Regulatory Commission that took place yesterday.
“I am naturally disappointed that I will be unable to play for the next eight months.
“I am naturally disappointed that I will be unable to play for the next eight months.
“The written reasons for the Commission’s decision have not yet been published, so I make no further comment at this point other than to thank my family and friends, Brentford FC and our fans for their continued support, through what has been a very difficult time.
“I now focus on returning to play the game I love next season.”
Allegation Against Toney
The allegation dates as far back as 2017, when Toney was a loan player from Newcastle at Scunthorpe, and the case has been running for 6 months.
Toney’s case was first reported in November 2022, when he was charged with 232 Football Association rules relating to betting. Later in December, 30 more charges were added.
It was reported that the 27 year-old pleaded guilty to some of the cases, and that on Tuesday he gave further evidence before a FA disciplinary panel.
Toney’s Career Path
The footballer began his career at hometown club Northampton before moving to Newcastle in 2015.
After three years at the club, he moved to Peterborough where he scored 49 goals in 94 appearances in all competitions.
His form earned him a move to Brentford and he helped the Bees to Premier League promotion after scoring 33 times in his debut season.
The 27-year-old will not be able to play for his club or England until January 16, 2024.
