Ivan Toney suspended for 8 months for betting breaches

Brentford striker Ivan Toney suspended for betting breaches. Admitted to placing bets on football games, including matches involving his current club

Brentford striker Ivan Toney has been suspended from all football and football-related activity for eight months for breaches of The FA's Betting Rules.

Toney, 27, was charged with 26 breaches of The FA's Betting Rules in November 2022, and he admitted to 14 of the charges. 

The charges related to Toney placing bets on football matches, including matches involving Brentford, between August 2020 and January 2022.

Toney has also been fined £50,000 and warned as to his future conduct.

In a statement, The FA said: "Ivan Toney has been suspended from all football and football-related activity for eight months, fined £50,000 and warned as to his future conduct after admitting to breaches of The FA's Betting Rules.

"The charge arose from an investigation into allegations that Toney had placed bets on football matches, including matches involving his current club Brentford, between August 2020 and January 2022.

"Toney admitted 14 of the 26 charges he faced and the remaining charges were dismissed.

"The suspension begins with immediate effect and will run until 17 March 2023."

BREAKING: 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.pic.twitter.com/rr4BziA3vt

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) May 17, 2023

Toney is the club's top scorer and his absence will be a major loss for the Bees.

Toney is a former England Under-21 international and has scored 33 goals in 62 appearances for Brentford since joining the club from Peterborough United in 2020.

He has also scored 10 goals in 12 appearances for the Bees in the Premier League this season.

The suspension is a major blow to Brentford, who are currently fighting against relegation from the Premier League.

It is also a major setback for Toney, who is at the peak of his career and had been hoping to make an impact on the international stage.

The suspension is a reminder of the importance of following The FA's Betting Rules.

Players must be aware of the rules and must not place bets on football matches.

Any player who breaches The FA's Betting Rules faces a significant punishment.