Brentford’s Ivan Toney suspended for eight months

Image above: Ivan Toney

Toney will likely be blocked from any attempt to circumvent his ban

Brentford striker Ivan Toney has been suspended from Brentford FC until 2024 and fined £50,000 by an independent panel after admitting 232 breaches of Football Association betting rules.

The ban, which the FA will enforce, only applies in England. But it is understood the governing body will apply for the 27-year-old’s suspension to extend worldwide.

That would prevent the striker from moving elsewhere on loan to serve his punishment. The FA is still to see the independent panel’s written reasons for Toney’s ban.

Toney’s suspension starts immediately, but he will be allowed to return to training on 17 September, four months before the playing ban expires.

His breaches took place between 25 February 2017 and 23 January 2021, during which time he represented Scunthorpe United, Wigan Athletic, Peterborough United and Brentford.

Toney has scored 20 goals in 33 Premier League appearances this season, helping Brentford into ninth place in the table.

He will miss Brentford’s game at Tottenham on Saturday at 12.30pm and the final match at home to league leaders Manchester City on 28 May 4.30pm.

“I am naturally disappointed” – Toney

Toney, who has one England cap, is under contract at Brentford until 2025. In a statement acknowledging his ban, Toney said:

“Today I have received notification of my eight-month ban from football following a hearing before an FA Regulatory Commission that took place yesterday,” he stated.

“I am naturally disappointed that I will not be able 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 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.”

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