Brentford and England striker Ivan Toney believes he missed out on playing at the World Cup because of the betting charges that were facing him.
The forward is currently serving an eight month suspension from football after admitting to breaching FA betting regulations and will not be allowed to play for the Bees until January 17.
Toney was omitted from the squad for the World Cup in Qatar just before he was charged with alleged betting breaches from earlier in his career came to light.
He went on to make his debut for England in March 2023 against Ukraine in a Euro 2024 qualifier but believes the allegations surfacing before the World Cup impacted his chances of going.
“I guess it comes down to the allegations for the betting scandal,” he told the Diary of a CEO Podcast.
“Personally, I felt like it was a bit of a questionable time when they decided to bring it all out when they actually dealt with the situation come the end of the season, it’s kind of like why bring it out then? And then punish me at the end of the season?
“I don’t know if it’s true, I’m not to know what’s behind the scenes, but I feel like if you have somebody going to the World Cup that’s supposed to be betting, then it’s kind of a bigger story.
“I feel like it’s a bit of a coincedence when they decided to bring it all out and having to deal with the punishment at the end of the season, which is so far after.
“I feel like, yes I’m banned now, but the biggest punishment for me was missing out on playing at the World Cup. I felt more hurt and down around the time. I felt like somebody’s out to get me at that time, to stop me from playing for England in my head, that’s just how I saw it at the time.
“They want to punish me for this, missing out on England and the World Cup. That’s everybody’s dream to be playing at the World Cup, and then ban me further down the line as well. I feel like it’s a double hit.
“If you’re going to stop me from going to the World Cup, do it there and then and deal with the whole situation.”
Toney is currently not allowed to train with Brentford while he serves his suspension but will be able to return to the club on September 17.
“Right now, not being around the training ground, it does hurt me,” he added.
“I just know when I’m at the training ground, I train harder. It’s not a nice feeling. Not being allowed at the training ground is baffling to me.
“I’m counting down the days until I can be training and around the boys. It’s like being in football prison at the moment.
“This is nothing. I know for a fact I’ll come back stronger from this. I’m better than I was before.
“This gives me the hunger again to recharge and come back on another level.”
