Ryan Rainey calls for reform of gambling advertising after six-month ban

Ryan Rainey has called for a reform of gambling advertising around sport after being hit with a six-month ban from all football-related activities.

The now former Finn Harps player was found to have breached the FAI's 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.

In a statement issued through the PFAI, the players' union, Rainey told of how an addiction overtook common sense.

“My name is Ryan Rainey and I have a gambling addiction,” Rainey 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 acknowledging that he broke the rules, Rainey has insisted that he did not place a bet on any match he was involved in.

He said: “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.”

Rainey has thanked both Finn Harps and the PFAI for the support shown.

While Rainey will not be returning to Harps for the start of the 2025 season, the club has offered continuing supports to the former Wolverhampton Wanderers prospect.

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In a statement, Finn Harps said: “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.

“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.”