During the weekend,Brentford striker Ivan Toney voiced his concerns over the public revelation of his gambling breaches by the Football Association (FA). He suggested that it was not a coincidence.
Ivan Toney received an eight-month ban from all football activities by the FA . As if not enough a £50,000 fine was also added. This was after his admitting to 232 violations of the FA’s betting rules spanning four years.
Interestingly, news of the investigation emerged just before England manager Gareth Southgate announced his squad for the 2022 World Cup .
Timing of Revelation of Ivan Toney’s Breaches
Ivan Toney, eager by then to participate in his first World Cup, believes that the release of the investigation findings was deliberate. It was described by him as a “spiteful” act. He speculated that the intention was to prevent his inclusion in the national team by disclosing the information just before the England camp.
Ivan Toney asserted, “In a way, it was kind of like: ‘get out now so you don’t go [away with] England’.” This coincidence has raised eyebrows and led to speculation about the underlying motives behind the timing of the announcement.
Calls for Reflection on Football’s Relationship with Gambling
The Brentford striker, who has been diagnosed with a gambling addiction, acknowledged the severity of his actions. Ivan Toney fully accepted the consequences of his breaches.
His ban prohibits him from training with Brentford until September. He won’t be able to return to the pitch until January 2024.He is not even allowed to be sold or loaned in upcoming summer transfer window.
While regretful of his transgressions, Ivan Toney emphasized that he did not seek sympathy for his actions. Instead, he aims to channel his focus on intensive training and make a formidable comeback.
Toney also highlighted the double standards prevalent in football regarding the sponsorship deals with gambling companies. He pointed out the irony of football teams being sponsored by such companies. On the other hand, players face strict regulations prohibiting their own involvement in gambling.
Ivan Toney called for a more comprehensive examination of the sport’s association with gambling. He advocated for better support systems for individuals facing addiction. Toney’s candid remarks raise pertinent questions about the ethical considerations surrounding football’s relationship with the gambling industry.