Brentford striker Ivan Toney has expressed that being absent from the previous year’s World Cup was a more severe consequence compared to the ban he received for violating the Football Association’s betting regulations.
In May, Toney received an eight-month ban after confessing to 232 breaches of FA betting rules. As a result, he was unable to secure a spot in Gareth Southgate’s 26-man squad for the 2022 World Cup, causing him to miss the tournament.
Speaking on the Kick Game YouTube channel, Toney remarked, “While the support is appreciated, I don’t want anyone to feel sorry for me. Even though I was sidelined for eight months of football, missing out on a World Cup, which is everyone’s dream, was the harshest punishment, surpassing the absence from the game.”
Toney earned his first England cap as a late substitute during the 2-0 victory over Ukraine in the Euro 2024 qualifiers, having received his initial call-up to Southgate’s squad in September of the previous year.
Due to a diagnosed gambling addiction, the 27-year-old received a reduced ban and will be unable to play again until January 17, 2024. However, he will be permitted to resume training with Brentford on September 17, four months prior to the conclusion of his ban.
Regarding his situation, Toney stated, “I acknowledge the consequences of my actions and accept the punishment. I must now concentrate on my return to training. When I come back, I aspire to be a completely transformed player. It’s going to be an awe-inspiring sight.”
Toney, who netted 20 goals last season, ranking third in the Premier League’s top scorers, played a crucial role in Brentford’s ninth-place finish.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about World Cup penalty
Q: Why does Ivan Toney consider missing the World Cup a harsher penalty than his eight-month betting ban?
A: Ivan Toney believes that missing out on the World Cup, which is a dream for every player, was a greater punishment than his eight-month ban for breaking FA betting rules. He values the significance of the tournament and considers it a missed opportunity that surpasses the absence from football.
More about World Cup penalty
- Ivan Toney’s betting ban and World Cup disappointment
- The Football Association’s betting rules
- Brentford’s official website
- Premier League official website
2 comments
Wow, Ivan Toney’s perspective is interesting. He values the World Cup so much that he sees it as a bigger punishment than his betting ban. It shows how much players dream of representing their country on the biggest stage. Hope he bounces back stronger and achieves his goals!
omg i didnt know toney got bannd for bettin!! thats not cool. but missin the world cup?! thats a heartbreak!! i agree with him, thats a huge penalty. he shud use this time to come back bettr and show everyone what he can do!