Brentford striker Ivan Toney revealed he was shocked and disappointed after details about his betting case emerged this week. Toney admitted to some of the 262 alleged gaming regulation violations while disputing others.
“I was astonished and dismayed to read press speculation regarding the FA inquiry process involving me yesterday and today, despite the fact that the FA has assured me that it is a confidential procedure until a decision is made,” Brentford boss Ivan Toney said. “It is very upsetting to read that the FA has said I would be banned from football for six months before even having a hearing, and it makes me concerned about the process. My lawyers will write to the FA to request that they launch a leak investigation, as this is the second time reports have surfaced in newspapers – the first time was right before the England World Cup squad was announced. I am unable to say further since I have been advised that the investigation is meant to remain confidential, and I will continue to focus on my football.”
Toney was originally charged in November with 232 alleged betting regulation violations that occurred between February 2017 and January 2021. Toney was charged with 30 further suspected violations of FA betting rules the following month. Before setting a hearing date, the FA will review Toney’s response to the charges. It will then be up to an Independent Regulatory Commission to reach a decision and issue a punishment. Based on the evidence, the panel will decide whether to dismiss or sustain any allegations contested by Toney, taking into account his unique set of circumstances. They will next consider all of his offenses together before deciding on his punishment.
Toney should be suspended as soon as feasible so that he can play as many games as possible next season for Brentford. Any ban will cover the summer months, and the Bees are in a strong position this season. Toney was charged with breaking FA betting rules on 232 counts last November, shortly before England’s 2022 World Cup selection was selected, and the charge was upped to 262 in December. Brentford and the Football Association have both declined to respond.
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