Eight-month ban for Brentford striker Ivan Toney after betting breaches

Brentford striker Ivan Toney has been hit with an eight-month ban after admitting breaches of betting rules.

Toney was charged by the Football Association last November for 262 alleged breaches over a four-year period.

The 27-year-old – who made his long-awaited England debut in March – admitted to 232 of the counts, with 30 having been subsequently withdrawn.

Following a personal hearing an independent regulatory commission imposed Toney’s sanctions, which included a £50,000 fine.

He will not be able to play until January 17th, 2024, but can train with Brentford from September 17th.

Toney issued a statement expressing his disappointment at the outcome.

pic.twitter.com/d2V0NNDAxb

— Ivan Toney (@ivantoney24) May 17, 2023

“Today I have received notification of my eight-month ban from football following a hearing before an FA regulatory commission that took place yesterday,” the Brentford striker wrote on Twitter.

“I am naturally disappointed that I will be unable to play for the next eight months.

“The written reasons for the commission’s decision have not yet been published, so I make no further comment at this point other than to thank my family and friends, Brentford FC and our fans for their continued support, through what has been a very difficult time.

“I now focus on returning to play the game I love next season.”

Ivan Toney has been suspended from all football and football-related activity with immediate effect for eight months, fined £50,000 and warned as to his future conduct for breaches of The FA’s Betting Rules.Full statement: https://t.co/yzSHhWR7Hv pic.twitter.com/bpd5ZRIix8

— FA Spokesperson (@FAspokesperson) May 17, 2023

The written reasons behind the decision of the independent regulatory commission are