Former Wolves footballer Ryan Rainey banned for betting

Imago

Footballer Ryan Rainey has been hit with a six-month suspension by the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) for breaching betting rules.

The midfielder joins the likes of Sandro Tonali, Kieran Trippier and Ivan Toney in receiving lengthy bans for breaching betting rules in recent years.

The former Wolves academy player was found to have bet on League of Ireland and Men’s FAI Cup games between 2021 and 2024. The FAI claimed he also placed "a significant number of bets" worldwide in 2024.

Following the ruling, Finn Harps said they were 'shocked' by the findings but did offer the 28-year-old counselling.

A club statement read: "Finn Harps can confirm that following the conclusion of a disciplinary process, a former player has been suspended from all football-related activity for six months.

"The suspension arises from breaches of the FAI Disciplinary Regulations relating to betting. News of the disciplinary matter came as a shock to the club. 

"The club has offered the services of a counsellor as well as proactively supporting the player through this process through communication with the Professional Footballers Association."

After failing to break into the first-team at Wolves, Rainey joined Finn Harps in 2021 and went on to score eight goals in 100 appearances.

And in a statement through the FAI, he blamed the 'constant stream of gambling adverts' as a contributing factor and hopes to help reform the rules around advertising in betting.

"My name is Ryan Rainey and I have a gambling addiction," he said. "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. I intend 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."

Read our expert advice on responsible gambling in sports betting.