Ryan Rainey, an Irish soccer athlete, has been suspended from competing after making wagers on the League of Ireland and FAI Cup games. Recognizing his mistake, the man admitted to having a problem with gambling.
Rainey Has Been Suspended for Six Months
Rainey, a former player for the Finn Harps, has been charged for making multiple bets on professional soccer games despite the prohibition. His wagers were placed between 2021 and 2024, and, according to the FAI, also included bets on worldwide soccer events.
As an insider, Rainey should have been prohibited from placing soccer bets for integrity’s sake. Because of that, he was sanctioned by an independent disciplinary committee appointed by the FAI.
Rainey has now been suspended for six months, preventing him for competing officially.
The Athlete Will Not Appeal the Penalty
In a statement provided to PFA Ireland, an Irish players’ union, Rainey admitted that he had a gambling addiction. Guilt-ridden, he described himself as a passionate soccer enthusiast who has grown up wanting “nothing more than to play.”
Unfortunately, when Rainey achieved his dream, he learned that reality wasn’t as rosy. He was constantly being bombarded with gambling ads, teasing him and encouraging him to play, despite the prohibition. He eventually became hooked on gambling, which “overtook his common sense” and led him on a path he sincerely regretted.
Rainey acknowledged that he violated the FAI’s rules but stressed that he, at least, did not place wagers on his own games. He noted that he would never purposefully threaten the game’s integrity.
In any case, the player recognized that the betting rules, which he violated, exist for a reason and accepted full responsibility. He added that he doesn’t plan to appeal his suspension and will use these six months to seek gambling addiction treatment.
Rainey added that he hopes his experience would encourage lawmakers to introduce gambling advertising reforms.
Rainey’s situation is not unique and comes several months after a high-profile betting scandal in Italian soccer. This scandal saw a number of professional athletes, including Sandro Tonali and Nicolò Fagioli, among others, serve similar bans for similar reasons.
Tonali, just like Rainey, recognized his mistake and underwent therapy. He also spent his suspension helping other people struggling with gambling issues.
