Brentford’s Ivan Toney Charged With 232 Betting Rule Violations
The English Football Association, commonly known as the FA, has taken disciplinary measures against Brentford forward Ivan Toney for purportedly breaking strict wagering regulations.
After a comprehensive seven-month inquiry, the FA has accused Toney of infringing 232 betting rules that forbid players from placing wagers on any facet of football matches.
Reports indicate that Toney violated the FA’s betting guidelines between February 25, 2017, and January 23, 2021. However, it is believed that he never placed bets against the teams he represented.
Toney acknowledged last week that he was collaborating with the FA’s investigation, following media reports that he had placed bets on football matches earlier in his professional career.
The FA has now officially confirmed that they have charged Toney after the investigation revealed he violated betting rules 232 times between February 25, 2017, and January 23, 2021.
The FA has granted Toney until November 24 to provide a response to the charges.
Tony has yet to provide a statement regarding the ruling, but his team, Brentford, issued a short notice on their online platform confirming the outcome.
Brentford stated: “The organization has been in talks with Ivan and his legal representatives concerning this issue, and these discussions will proceed privately. We will refrain from making any additional remarks until the matter is resolved.”
The 26-year-old joined Brentford at the beginning of the 2020-21 campaign, aiding the club in achieving promotion to the Premier League from the Championship, netting 31 league goals in the process.
Before that, he spent two years at Peterborough United, competing in League One, having previously spent time at other lower-league teams during his time at Newcastle United.
Tony only made four appearances for Newcastle, having joined them from League Two side Northampton Town, where he began his professional career.
Tony was among the players considered for the England national team in preparation for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, which will take place in Qatar. However, despite scoring 10 league goals this season, Tony was not selected for the team.
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