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Brentford striker Ivan Toney reveals that he is “disappointed” with leaks regarding an investigation into his alleged breaches of FA betting rules.
Brentford striker Ivan Toney has revealed that he is “disappointed” to learn that details about the investigation into his alleged betting breaches have been leaked.
The England international was charged in November for 232 alleged breaches of FA rule E8, which prevents players from betting on games, or sharing information for betting purposes.
In December, FA charged Toney with another 30 breaches, taking the total number of charges to 262 for alleged betting breaches, which were said to have taken place between February 2017 and January 2021.
During the four-year period, Toney represented Scunthorpe United, Wigan Athletic, Peterborough United and Brentford.
On Tuesday, reports emerged that the forward had admitted many of the 262 charges, but was expected to contest others.
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Toney has since released a post on Instagram questioning how information about the FA process had been linked to the media.
The 26-year-old also stated that it was “disturbing” to find out via the press that he is set to be banned for six months.
Toney wrote: “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.
“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.
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“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.”
Several players have been punished for breaching gambling rules in the past, including Kieran Tripper, who was banned for 10 weeks and fined £70,000 in January 2021 for giving out information for his friends to bet on his transfer from Tottenham Hotspur to Atletico Madrid in the summer of 2019.
In 2017, Joey Barton, who was playing for Burnely at the time, was initially banned for 18 months for placing 1,260 football-related bets, however, his ban was subsequently reduced to 13 months following an appeal.
Having top scored for Brentford this term with 14 goals in 21 Premier League games, any ban will represent a significant blow for Thomas Frank‘s side.
Toney was also expected to be in contention for an England call-up, but he could now miss next month’s Euro 2024 qualifiers against Italy and Ukraine.
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