Ivan Toney has criticized “disturbing” rumors about the FA’s planned suspension for his alleged betting rule violations.
The English Football Association’s regulatory body has accused the Brentford striker of 262 alleged offences that occurred over a four-year span.
There hasn’t been an official FA update on the situation, but according to initial reports published by The Daily Mail on Tuesday, Toney has admitted guilt to the majority of the allegations and might receive a six-month suspension.
Although Toney was perplexed by rumors of leaks within the FA, the reports stated the 26-year-old has also rejected some of the breaches.
He posted on Instagram on Wednesday: “I was shocked and disappointed to see press speculation yesterday and today about the FA investigation process concerning me after I have been told by the FA that it is a confidential process until any decision has been made.
“It is especially disturbing for me to read that the FA is saying I shall be banned from football for six months before there has even been a hearing and it does make me worried about the process.”
Toney earned a first England call-up in September but was left out of Gareth Southgate’s squad for the World Cup.
FA chief executive Mark Bullingham stated that the forward’s omission from the squad in Qatar was decided on “footballing grounds”.
Toney plans to challenge the FA after a second instance of reported leaks.
He added: “My lawyers will be writing to the FA to request that they conduct a leak inquiry, as this is the second time stories have appeared in the newspapers – the last time was just before the selection for the England World Cup squad.
“As I continue to be told the investigation is meant to be confidential, I am unable to provide any further comment and shall continue to concentrate on my football.”