Ivan Toney slams FA for ‘leaking’ gambling charge investigation as he faces lengthy ban

IVAN Toney has slammed the FA for "leaking" news of his gambling charge admissions.

Toney faces a lengthy ban, likely to extend into next season, after admitting a number of the 362 separate charges against him.

Betting on any games is a breach of FCA regulations and Toney is charged with placing the wages between 2017 and 2021.

But the Brentford striker went on the attack as he posted a statement condemning Wembley beaks over the news of his guilty pleas.

Toney said: "I was shocked and disappointed to see press speculation yesterday and today about the FA investigation process concerning me after I had been told by the FA it was a confidential process until any decision has been made.

"It is especially disturbing for me to read that the FA has said I shall be banned for six months before there has even been a hearing.

"And it does make me worried about the process."

The frontman added: "My lawyers will be writing to the FA to request that they conduct a leak enquiry as this is the second time stories have appeared in the newspapers.

"The last time was just before the selection of 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."

SunSport understands an independent commission hearing is likely to take place in the coming weeks with a ban virtually certain now the striker has admitted to the offences.

But his statement will put pressure on the FA head of that hearing and is likely to see his lawyers arguing a for a more lenient punishment.