Ivan Toney 'pleads guilty' to betting charges

Brentford striker Ivan Toney is understood to have pleaded guilty to a number of the FA’s gambling charges against him.

The 26-year-old is facing 262 charges from the FA over betting offences which date as far back as 2017.

Now, the Daily Mail note that Toney has admitted ‘multiple charges’ but is still contesting others and plans to take his case to an imminent hearing with the FA.

Because of his admissions, Toney is set to face a lengthy ban from football and the belief is that suspension could begin before the end of the current campaign.

Just how long Toney would be banned from all football activities would depend on how many charges he is ultimately found guilty of.

Ex-midfielder Joey Barton was banned for 18 months after admitting to 1260 charges in 2017, with that suspension reduced to 13 months following an appeal.

In 2021, Boston United players Andi Thanoj and Jay Rollins were punished for a combined 757 bets, with the duo both serving suspensions of five months.

Not only would Toney’s potential suspension have a huge impact on Brentford’s season, but depending on the severity of the punishment, it could take a huge toll on the summer transfer market as a number of sides are known admirers of the Bees forward.

90min understands that Toney is on Chelsea’s shortlist as the Blues prepare to find a new striker in the summer, while reports elsewhere have linked the likes of Arsenal and Manchester United with moves for the 26-year-old.