Forward Ivan Toney stated that "not representing England in last year's FIFA World Cup is a punishment greater than the long suspension he is currently serving due to violations of the English Football Association's betting rules." He said, "Even if I miss 8 months of football, the greater punishment is missing the World Cup because it's everyone's dream, and that's harder than being absent for 8 months from playing."
The Brentford striker, who finished the season third in the Premier League scorers list, received an 8-month suspension and was fined $63,000 after admitting to committing 232 violations, including betting on matches he participated in. An independent panel of the Football Association stated that Toney's punishment was reduced from 11 months to 8 months due to his young age and gambling addiction.
Toney is unable to play at the club or international level until January 16, 2024, but he can return to training starting September 17. Toney stated, "The support is good, but how am I? I don't want anyone to feel sorry for me." He added, "I did what I did in the past, and the punishment remains the punishment, and I have to accept that. As I said before, I need to focus when I return to training. I want to become a different person when I come back."
