Ivan Toney has said that missing out on selection for the 2022 FIFA World Cup was a worse punishment than his eight-month ban from soccer. The Brentford forward admitted to 232 breaches of the English Football Association’s (FA) betting rules earlier this year.

The allegations came to the surface shortly before the England World Cup squad announcement. Manager Gareth Southgate and FA chief executive Mark Bullingham both said the 27-year-old’s omission was for footballing reasons and not related to the betting investigation.

FA ultimately didn’t dish out punishment until the end of the season

He believes the timing of the FA announcing the investigation was “a bit spiteful” as it came only days before the naming of the England squad. The FA ultimately didn’t dish out punishment until the end of the season.

Toney was in excellent form leading up to the tournament and finished the English Premier League season with 20 goals. He now is unable to train with his team until September and cannot play until January 17, 2024. The Northampton native received a reduced ban due to his addiction to gambling. ?