Former Finn Harps midfielder Ryan Rainey gets six-month ban for betting breaches

Ryan Rainey has been suspended from all football-related activity for a period of six months for breaching the FAI Disciplinary Regulations relating to betting.

These 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 and the FAI acknowledges their decision.

“All individuals involved in football are urged to familiarise themselves with the FAI Disciplinary Regulations relating to betting as set out in the FAI Governance Handbook and are encouraged to reach out to the FAI for additional information if they wish,” the statement from FAI Disciplinary said.

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Finn Harps have confirmed that following the conclusion of a disciplinary process, Rainey, a former player, has been suspended. It’s understood Rainey won’t be signing for Harps for the 2025 season.

“News of the disciplinary matter came as a shock to the club, whilst no crime was committed there are very strict rules in place which the club and FAI inform all players of each year that they must comply with,” the Ballybofey club said. “Finn Harps has strong views on gambling and the harm it causes to members of our society. 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.”