The Brentford forward Ivan Toney has said he is “assisting the Football Association with their enquiries” after it was reported in national newspapers that he is being investigated over allegations of historical match betting.
The FA has declined to comment on the reports, but Toney tweeted a statement on Saturday evening. “I’m aware of a story about me in a national newspaper today,” he said. “I have been assisting the FA with their enquiries and will not be making any comment until such investigation has reached its conclusion.”
Toney, who is hopeful of being named in Gareth Southgate’s England squad for the 2022 World Cup on Thursday, added: “I am a proud Englishman and it has always been my childhood dream to play for my country at a World Cup finals.”
Brentford have also issued a brief statement on their official website to acknowledge they were aware of the claims. “We note the story concerning Ivan Toney and the FA investigation. The club will not be commenting,” the statement said.
Under FA rules, players operating at Premier League, Football League, National League, Women’s Super League and Women’s Championship levels are “prohibited from betting, either directly or indirectly, on any football match or competition that takes place anywhere in the world.”
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The ban extends to “betting on any other football-related matter – for example, the transfer of players, employment of managers or team selection,” while “the passing of inside information to somebody that uses the information for betting remains prohibited.”
Toney was part of Southgate’s squad for September’s Nations League clashes with Italy and Germany, but did not figure in either game as he awaits his senior international debut. The 26-year old has scored eight Premier League goals this season, adding to a tally of 12 last term.
The frontman missed Saturday’s 2-2 draw at Nottingham Forest through suspension after collecting his fifth yellow card of the season against Wolves last weekend. Toney joined Brentford for £5m from Peterborough in 2020 after beginning his career with hometown club Northampton and going on loan to Barnsley, Shrewsbury, Scunthorpe and Wigan while at Newcastle.