The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) has imposed a six-month suspension on former Finn Harps player Ryan Rainey for breaches relating to sports betting. The offenses involve a series of League of Ireland and Men’s FAI Cup matches between 2021 and 2024, as well as betting on international football matches in 2024.
In response to the punishment, the Professional Footballers’ Association of Ireland (PFA Ireland) issued a statement on Rainey’s behalf. The former midfielder admitted to having broken the rules, but stressed that he had not bet on games in which he participated. Furthermore, he accepted the suspension with no intention of appealing.
Rainey took the opportunity to address the issue of excessive betting advertising in the football context, expressing hope for reform in this regard.
In his statement, Rainey stated: “My name is Ryan Rainey and I am addicted to gambling. I’m also a young man who grew up wanting nothing more than to play football. I made my dream come true, but then reality arrived.
The constant stream of gambling adverts, free time and the desire for stimulation whilst watching matches on television caused me to develop an addiction that overtook common sense and led me down a path that I now sincerely regret.
Whilst I fully acknowledge that I have broken FAl rules on betting on any match, I emphasize that I did not bet on a match in which I took part. I fully respect the integrity of the game and would not engage in any action that would threaten it.
However, I also realize that betting rules are there for a reason and that I broke them. This is my responsibility and I take full responsibility”, said the athlete.
Sports Betting Industry Rules in Ireland
This incident comes just over a month after the passing of the Irish Betting Regulation Bill. The new legislation introduced several measures, including a ban on betting-related advertising between 5:30am and 9pm.
Meanwhile, in Northern Ireland, the Stormont Assembly’s Cross-Party Group to Reduce Gambling-Related Harm has been stepping up efforts to pressure the UK Government to impose tougher restrictions on sports betting advertising.
It is important to note that similar cases have arisen in other leagues. For example, West Ham United and Brazilian national team player Lucas Paquetá is currently under investigation for alleged betting-related violations. He will give evidence to the English Football Association in March 2025.
