The leading footballer for Brentford, Ivan Toney, is aiding the Football Association (FA) in an inquiry concerning allegations of wagering.
The Brentford forward, who competes in the Premier League, has acknowledged his collaboration with the FA’s inquiry following media accounts suggesting he placed wagers on football matches during the early stages of his professional career.
Toney is supporting the FA in their examination of reports that he engaged in gambling. The Daily Mail reported that the FA has been conducting a seven-month probe into Toney, claiming he placed wagers on matches while participating in lower divisions.
It is believed that Toney never wagered against his own team.
FA regulations strictly prohibit players, coaching personnel, and other club employees from placing bets on football matches globally.
The FA has not yet issued an official statement on the matter, but Toney shared a message on Twitter confirming his cooperation with the FA in an undisclosed inquiry.
“I have taken notice of the reports in a national newspaper today concerning me,” Toney posted when the reports surfaced over the weekend. “I have been assisting the FA with their investigation and will refrain from making any further comments until the inquiry is concluded.”
The English Football Association is conducting an inquiry into Ivan Toney, a forward for the England national team, for potential violations of wagering regulations. This news arrives just a few weeks before the commencement of the 2022 World Cup later this month, with Toney previously viewed as a strong candidate for a spot on the England roster. Toney was initially summoned to the England squad in September, but has yet to make a debut for the national side.
Toney took to Twitter to express, “I am a proud Englishman and representing my nation at the World Cup has been a lifelong aspiration.”
Toney’s club, Brentford, has also acknowledged the situation and the FA’s investigation, but stated they would refrain from commenting on the matter.
The 26-year-old forward joined Brentford in the summer of 2020-21, aiding the team in securing promotion to the Premier League from the Championship, netting 31 league goals in the process.
Prior to that, he spent two years at Peterborough United in League One, having previously spent time in the lower divisions with Newcastle United.
Toney only made four appearances for Newcastle, having joined the club from League Two side Northampton Town, where he initiated his professional career.
