Ivan Toney charged with 232 alleged breaches of betting rules
Brentford striker has been charged for breaches that took place between 25 February 2017 and 23 January 2021
The Football Association (FA) has charged Brentford striker Ivan Toney with 232 alleged breaches of FA rule E8, which bans players from betting on games or sharing privileged information.
The alleged breaches occurred between 25 February 2017 and 23 January 2021, with the first breach apparently occurring during Toney’s loan spell at Scunthorpe United.
Toney went on to have spells with Wigan Athletic and Peterborough United before signing for Brentford in August 2020.
The forward has until 24 November 2022 to respond to the charges.
A statement from Toney’s current club, Brentford, said: “Brentford FC has been informed that Ivan Toney has been charged with breaches of FA Rule E8.
“The club has been in discussion with Ivan and his legal representatives about this matter, and those conversations will continue privately. We will make no further comment until the matter has been completed.”
Earlier this month, when it was reported by the Daily Mail that the forward was under investigation, Toney tweeted: “I’m aware of a story about me in a national newspaper today.
“I have been assisting the Football Association with their enquiries and will not be making any comment until such investigation has reached its conclusion.”
Several high-profile players have previously been charged and found guilty of breaking the FA’s betting rules.
Newcastle United and England star Kieran Trippier was banned from all footballing activity in 2020 for 10 weeks and given a £70,000 fine after telling a friend to bet on his move to Atletico Madrid from Tottenham Hotspur in August 2019.
Daniel Sturridge was also punished for disclosing insider information about a transfer. He was given a four-month ban and a £150,000 fine after it was established that he had told his brother to bet on a January 2018 move to La Liga side Sevilla.
Current Bristol Rovers boss Joey Barton was given an 18-month ban in 2017 for placing 1,260 bets on football over a decade between 2006 to 2016. He retired from football following the ban despite the fact the ban was reduced to five months following an appeal.
Lastly, Wycombe Wanderers forward Scott Kashket was suspended for two months in January 2020 for placing 183 bets on football matches. The forward was also given a £3,446 fine and warned about his future conduct.
At the time of writing, the FA has not disclosed what, if any, punishment Toney could face.