by Darren Moore
AFC Wimbledon winger Osman Foyo has been charged by the Football Association for allegedly breaching strict betting rules, after placing more than 250 bets on football matches in less than six months.
The 20-year-old is said to have placed a total of 252 bets between October 3, 2023, and March 24, 2024, in violation of FA Rule E8. That rule bans players, managers, and club staff from betting on any football activity globally, not just matches involving their own club.
Foyo, who is yet to make a senior appearance for the Dons, has until Tuesday, July 16 to formally respond to the charge. The case will be reviewed by an independent regulatory commission once all responses have been submitted.
Previous High-Profile Offenders
This comes amid a wave of high-profile betting cases involving footballers. Most notably, Brentford striker Ivan Toney was banned for eight months in 2023 after admitting to 232 betting breaches.
Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali is currently serving a 10-month ban after a similar investigation in Italy.
An FA spokesperson told BBC Sport: “The rules around betting are clear and communicated to all participants in the game. It is the responsibility of every individual to ensure they understand and comply.”
But others argue that the current system isn’t doing enough to support young players coming through the ranks. One EFL academy coach, speaking anonymously said: “The lines between football and gambling are blurrier than ever. You’ve got betting ads during matches, odds on screens, tipsters on social — but we expect young players to just block it all out. It’s not realistic.”
What Happens Next in the Disciplinary Process?
Foyo’s charge will now go through the same formal process used in previous cases. If found guilty, he could face a suspension, fine, or both — depending on the nature and context of the bets. Even for a young player with no first-team experience, the consequences can be career-defining.
AFC Wimbledon have yet to issue a public statement. The club is expected to wait until after the FA’s deadline before commenting on any potential disciplinary steps of their own.
The outcome of Foyo’s case could arrive before the start of the 2024/25 season — and may well serve as another warning shot in the FA’s ongoing battle to keep gambling out of the dressing room.
Darren Moore is an experienced sports writer with over a decade of expertise, having worked with Ladbrokes and Racing Post. He specializes in sports betting, providing expert insights and strategies to help bettors make informed decisions.
