Ivan Toney is charged by the FA over 232 historical gambling allegations spanning almost FOUR YEARS
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Brentford striker Ivan Toney risks a suspension of up to SIX MONTHS after being charged by the FA for breaking betting rules 232 TIMES in four years – but there is no suggestion he would bet against his own team
Ivan Toney has been charged with 232 betting rule violations and faces suspension until at least the end of the season.
The Brentford star, who was overlooked for England’s World Cup squad after Sportsmail revealed he was under investigation by the FA, has been charged with misconduct.
Obviously, a report triggered by the probe is some 2,800 pages long.
Toney became a contender for Gareth Southgate’s side after a blistering start to the season, scoring 10 goals in 14 league games.
However, earlier this month it emerged that he was at the center of a seven-month FA investigation. Toney allegedly failed to bet against his own team, an offense that could result in a lifetime ban. If he is found to have placed bets on his own side to win, a six-month suspension is among the possible penalties.
The number of bets and how much he has wagered will be taken into account if Toney is found to have broken the rules.
The progression covers the period from February 2017 to January 2021, when Toney played for Scunthorpe, Wigan, Peterborough and Brentford.
Brentford star Ivan Toney has been charged by the FA on 232 historic gambling charges
Toney has been charged with misconduct ‘in relation to alleged breaches’ of the betting rules
Toney took to Twitter after Sportsmail’s exclusive message to release a statement about the FA investigation
A Brentford statement read: ‘The club has been in talks with Ivan and his legal team and those talks will continue privately.’
Toney was named in England’s final squad for the World Cup but was not used by Southgate and has yet to make his international debut.
Following Sportsmail’s original story, the 26-year-old confirmed he was ‘helping the FA with their investigation’. He is said to be devastated that news of the probe had leaked, fearing it would reduce his chances of going to Qatar.
An FA statement on Wednesday night read: ‘The Brentford striker is alleged to have breached FA rule E8 232 times between 25 February 2017 and 23 January 2021.’
In 2017, Joey Barton was suspended for 18 months, reduced to 13, after admitting to placing 1,260 bets on matches, including at least five in which he played.
In 2020, Daniel Sturridge was handed a four-month suspension and fine for providing inside information to his brother about his possible transfer from Liverpool to Sevilla in 2018.
There is no suggestion that the 26-year-old striker has bet against his own team