Ivan Toney: Why English FA Should Take Betting Sanctions Serious -By Ayobami Okerinde

Brentford striker Ivan Toney was banned on Wednesday, May 17, 2023, by the English FA for betting-related issues. The 27-year-old English striker was handed an eight-month ban that starts immediately following 232 breaches of the FA betting rule. Along with the ban, he was also fined £50,000.

The rules of the FA are clear on betting in football, not only in England but across the world. The ban on betting applies to individuals involved in the Premier League, FA Women’s Super League, Championship, FA Women’s Championship, and other levels of English football. The rule also prohibits individuals from placing a bet directly or indirectly on football games taking place around the world. It also extends to providing inside information (information you have access to due to your position or involvement with the game).

It’s important to state unequivocally that the decision of the English FA is important, and it is to protect the integrity of the game. However, the English FA has to take a look at itself. For the 2022–23 season, of the 20 teams in the EPL, eight have a betting company on the front of their matchday shirt. The clubs are Bournemouth, Everton, Fulham, Leeds, Newcastle, Southampton, West Ham, and Brentford. Ironically, Toney plays for Brentford, one of the teams.

Across the world, despite campaigns on the dangers of betting addiction, bet companies have continued to expand, with new entrants into the market. The UK is not exempt. According to government research, there are about 246,000 people with an addiction to betting in England. This does not only cover football-related games; it also includes casino games and others. Although a 2017 report by the Gambling Commission put the figure at about 430,000, another 2 million are at risk of addiction. The gambling market in the UK has continued to increase and record high profits.

The risks do not only affect adults; there is a growing trend of young children aged 13 to 16 becoming involved in gambling. This has led to calls on betting companies to ensure they check the ages of customers.

The EPL took a commendable decision in April 2023 to phase out betting sponsors from shirt fronts at the end of 2025–26. However, football teams can still have them on their shirts (sleeves) and have their ads displayed on LED boards across stadiums. For teams outside the current traditional top six, getting sponsors has always been an issue, and a report says betting companies offer as much as twice as much for sponsorship deals to the clubs as non-betting companies.

The FA has to ensure that it continues to work with football clubs and relevant agencies to ensure that betting is regulated and perhaps phased out by teams. According to Public Health England, there are over 400 gambling-related suicides in England every year.

The decision from the FA will see Toney not take part in football-related activities until January 17, 2024, and he will only be able to return to training on September 17, 2023. Toney has enjoyed a stellar season, with 20 goals and four assists in 33 EPL games.