Brentford striker Ivan Toney is under investigation by the FA over historical gambling allegations, according to the Daily Mail.
The investigation relates to alleged gambling activity during Toney’s time as a player in the lower leagues.
Toney bounced around several clubs after making his debut in 2012 before joining Brentford eight years later. He has netted 55 goals in 103 games for the Bees.
However, despite the investigations, he has not been charged with anything. The FA has been investigating the World Cup hopeful for around seven months,
There are no signs that the former Newcastle United man bet against his team.
Following the news, Brentford issued a statement saying: “We note the story concerning Ivan Toney and the FA investigation. The club will not be commenting.”
Toney also released a statement on the issue. “I’m aware of a story about me in a national newspaper today,” the 26-year-old wrote on Twitter.
“I have been assisting the Football Association with their enquiries and will not be making any comment until such investigation has reached its conclusion.
“I am a proud Englishman, and it has always been my childhood dream to play for my country at a World Cup finals.”
With the World Cup around the corner, the striker will be unhappy with the news getting out, especially since there are no indications he is guilty of anything.
Toney is in Gareth Southgate’s 55-man squad for the 2022 World Cup starting in 15 days. He will likely make the 26-man squad with eight Premier League goals and three assists in 13 appearances this campaign.
He has not debuted for England despite receiving call-ups, but his form is too good to ignore. Toney is in better form than AS Roma striker Tammy Abraham who has three goals and one assist in 17 appearances.
Toney, alongside Newcastle’s Callum Wilson, will back up Harry Kane. It will also help that Toney is an expert penalty taker and can help the Three Lions in shoot-outs.
