Ryan Rainey has stressed that he did not bet on any game in which he was involved after he was hit with a six-month suspension arising from breaches of the FAI Disciplinary Regulations relating to betting.
Rainey has been a key man for Finn Harps in recent years, although the Ballybofey club described him as a ‘former player’ this morning.
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.
Rainey released a statement through the PFA Ireland (League of Ireland Player’s Union) this morning.
It 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 FAI’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.”