Dec 07,2024
The FAI have suspended former Finn Harps midfielder Ryan Rainey from all football-related activity for six months for breaches of the organisation's disciplinary regulations relating to betting.
The FAI said that the breaches are connected to a number of League of Ireland and Men's FAI Cup games between 2021-2024 and a "significant number" of bets placed on football worldwide in 2024.
The sanction was imposed by an Independent Disciplinary Committee following a disciplinary hearing.
In a statement released by the PFAI, Rainey confirmed that he will not be appealing the ban, he insisted that he has never gambled on any game he's been involved in.
Rainey also hit out at the systemic links between soccer and gambling.
The statement read: "My name is Ryan Rainey and I have a gambling addiction. I am also a young man who grew up wanting nothing more than to play football. I realised my dream but then reality struck. The constant stream of gambling adverts, the spare time and desire for stimulation while watching matches on television meant I developed an addiction which overtook common sense and led me down a path I now sincerely regret.
"While I fully acknowledge that I broke the FAl's rules on betting on any matches, I stress that I did not bet on a match in which I was involved. I fully respect the integrity of the game and would not involve myself in any action that would threaten that. However, I also realise that the betting rules are in place for a reason and that I breached them. That is on me and I accept full responsibility.
"I also accept the ban I have received and will not be appealing it. My intention is to seek treatment for my addiction and to return to football after my suspension as a better person and player.
"I hope that my experience assists in reform of gambling advertising which targets young men like me and is doing huge damage. Finally, I would like to thank Finn Harps and the PFA Ireland for the support they have shown to me over this difficult period."
