Report into conduct finds no evidence whatsoever of match fixing

Ivan Toney (right) cannot play again until January. Picture: Brentford FC

May 28, 2023

The detailed independent report that was used to determine the length of ban for Brentford striker Ivan Toney has been published.

It shows that no issues of match-fixing arose from his gambling activities and that the suspension was reduced to eight months from eleven after it was shown that he had been diagnosed with a gambling addiction.

There were over 200 bets placed by Toney in breach of FA rules including against clubs he was playing for although not in matches in which he was participating and originally the sport’s governing body had wanted a 15 month ban.

However, evidence presented by Dr Philip Hopley, a psychiatry expert, after two interviews with Toney resulted in the commission reducing the time he would not be allowed to play.

Toney had repeatedly lied about his gambling in the initial stage of the inquiry as well as deleting records from his mobile phone which prompted the original call for a longer ban.

He now says he is determined to address the problem with therapy although he continues to place bets on sports other than football.

The regulatory commission concluded, "There is no evidence that Mr Toney did or was even in a position to influence his own team to lose when he placed bets against them winning - he was not in the squad or eligible to play at the time."

Brentford said that they would do ‘everything possible’ to support the player during his suspension and manager Thomas Frank expressed frustration that he was not allowed to have any contact for the first four months.

He said, "If I can't speak to him, I guess they will have to ban me as well. If I am not allowed to support him there must be something wrong.

“What I on a personal note don’t get at all is how can you not let him be involved in football for the first four months? What do you gain from that? If you want to rehabilitate someone, give them education, do something. So now it’s like ‘okay, this is the sanction, leave to yourself, find out, die or survive.”

He suggested Toney should do work in the community including going to schools to talk about the challenges he has faced.

He also addressed broader issues raised by the case saying, "Football and gambling's relationship needs a review. We got a massive reminder. Do we do enough to educate our players?”

The Bees manager suggested that a closer look may be needed at potentially ‘dodgy’ club sponsors.

Toney will not be allowed to train until September and cannot play until 17 January next year. In addition he has been fined £50,000.

Brentford said in a statement following the publication of the report, “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.”