Brentford striker Ivan Toney, who was among contenders for England’s World Cup roster, has been charged with violations of betting rules by the English Football Association.
Toney faces the possibility of a lengthy suspension from Brentford and the Premier League as a result of 232 alleged violations of FA gambling rules that date back to 2017 and extend to 2021.
Under FA Rule 8, players, coaches, and officials associated with the Premier League or European Football Association are prohibited from wagering on matches, including those they have no direct involvement with.
Earlier this month when news of an investigation was revealed, Toney responded on Twitter. “I have been assisting the Football Association with their enquiries,” Toney tweeted, “and will not be making any comment until such investigation has reached its conclusion.”
Precedent exists for players being suspended for gambling misconduct. In December 2020, Kieran Trippier received a 10-week ban from the FA for giving inside information concerning rosters and player movement to gamblers. In 2022, Lincoln City Football Club suspended forward Chris Maguire after he was found to have placed 52 bets on football matches over a four-year period. He was later released by Lincoln City and did not return to League One.
Toney Failed to Earn a Spot on England World Cup Squad
The 26-year old Toney has until Nov. 26 to respond to the charges by the FA. His team, Brentford Football Club, issued a statement on Wednesday.
Last week, he was not included on the roster for England’s World Cup play, which begins Nov. 20 in Qatar.
“Brentford has been informed that Ivan Toney has been charged with breaches of FA Rule E8,” Brentford FC said.
Toney’s best season came in 2020-21 for Brentford, who were competing in the EFL Championship at that time. Toney scored an EFL Championship record-setting 31 goals in 45 games that season.
In his most recent game for Brentford, on Nov. 12, the Northampton-born Toney scored two goals in a 2-1 victory over Manchester City. Toney produced 11 goals on the season, but his future is now in doubt, and it’s unknown if he will appeal the charges and be allowed to play while on appeal.
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