Report reveals Brentford's Ivan Toney suffers from a gambling addiction in reference to the suspension and fine imposed upon him by the English FA.
Brentford striker Ivan Toney has been diagnosed with a gambling addiction, which resulted in him placing bets on his own team’s matches to lose, as stated by the English Football Association.
The FA recently imposed an eight-month suspension and a £50,000 fine on the 27-year-old player after he admitted to 232 violations of the FA’s betting regulations.
In their comprehensive ruling released on Friday, the independent regulatory commission appointed by the FA disclosed that they initially sought a 15-month ban. However, considering Toney’s admission of guilt and the testimony of a psychiatric expert who concluded that he suffers from addiction, they decided to impose a reduced penalty.
The FA report read: “The Commission had the benefit of a report from Dr Philip Hopley dated 2 February 2023 who also attended the hearing by video conference to answer questions.”
“Dr Hopley had interviewed Mr Toney on two occasions and concluded in his report that Mr Toney has a clear history of gambling addiction.”
“There is no need to set out the details of the report in these reasons. It was Dr Hopley’s conclusion that Mr Toney needs professional help in respect of his addiction.”
Brentford also released a statement in support of the player: “Brentford FC has received and accepted the written reasons of an independent Regulatory Commission that handed Ivan Toney an eight-month ban from all football and football-related activity after he admitted breaches of FA Rule E8, relating to placing bets on football.”
“The club will now be doing everything possible to provide support to Ivan and his family to deal with the issues raised in this case. Conversations regarding this and all matters relating to the case will remain confidential in order to protect the player and his family.”
“We consider this matter closed and look forward to welcoming Ivan back to training in September and seeing him representing Brentford in the Premier League in January.”
