Ivan Toney has admitted that he's "worried" about the Football Association's disciplinary process amid speculation over his potential ban for betting breaches.
The Brentford striker, 26, says the FA told him that details of his upcoming hearing would remain confidential until a decision was made. Claims emerged this week, however, that Toney was set to be banned from playing for six months, having been charged with a total of 262 breaches.
It's been reported that the Englishman had already accepted breaking FA betting rules before his appearance in front of a disciplinary panel. Toney is said to have admitted to a number of gambling-related offences but is contesting others after being charged with 232 breaches in November and a further 30 in December.
FA rule E8 bans players from betting on games or sharing information for betting purposes.
It has prompted speculation that the 26-year-old, who was called up to Gareth Southgate's England squad last year before the charges came to light, will be hit with a lengthy ban. Toney released a statement via social media on Wednesday and said his lawyers "will be writing to the FA to request that they conduct a leak inquiry."
The former Newcastle United forward wrote: "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.
"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 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. I shall continue to concentrate on my football."
The alleged breaches took place between February 25, 2017 and January 23, 2021, during which time Toney played for Scunthorpe United, Wigan Athletic, Peterborough United and Brentford.
Thomas Frank, his manager at Brentford, insisted in December that Toney remains 'laser focused' on his football amid the investigation. "I can only praise him for his mentality and his character. He is in many ways unique there," Frank declared in December.
"His ability to have that laser focus and go into the game focused on the next action, the next moment and fulfilling his role in the team and pushing the team and helping the team is remarkable.
"I've spoken to him a few times to ask how he is and how his family are. In this modern world everyone thinks they know everything and there are a lot of clever people out there, especially on social media. It's important for him and the family to take care for each other, which they do because they have a strong family.
"For any player it's about finding that consistency, no matter what is hitting you. From where you find your extra inspiration, motivation, or whatever it is, it's different from player to player. But I don't see a more determined player, I just see the same Ivan who wants to progress and be better every day."
