Sandro Tonali receives 10-month ban for betting offenses in Italy

Newcastle United’s midfield sensation, Sandro Tonali, is set to face a 10-month suspension from football due to violations of betting regulations in Italy, as announced by the Italian Football Federation (FIGC).

Tonali, a prominent figure in Italian football who transferred to Newcastle from AC Milan earlier this year, will not only serve this suspension but is also mandated to undergo treatment sessions for gambling addiction. Furthermore, he will engage in a series of discussions about his personal experiences with gambling over an additional eight-month period, all as part of an agreement with the FIGC.

This plea-bargain arrangement, likely applicable to international football, was officially confirmed by FIGC President Gabriele Gravina. Consequently, Tonali will be unavailable for the remainder of the club season and will also miss the Euro 2024 tournament scheduled for June and July.

Tonali’s involvement in this betting scandal represents a significant development, shaking the foundations of Italian football. The 23-year-old was found to have placed bets on matches involving his former club, AC Milan, before completing his remarkable £56 million ($67.7 million) transfer to Newcastle, a move that established him as the most expensive Italian player in history.

Italian legal and sporting authorities have been diligently investigating the use of illicit betting platforms by football players in the country.

Notably, Juventus midfielder Nicolo Fagioli has agreed to a seven-month ban, part of a resolution with the FIGC, following his admission of gambling issues.

Tonali’s agent, Giuseppe Riso, recently conceded that his client indeed struggled with a gambling problem. Tonali confessed to betting on matches concerning both AC Milan and Brescia during his time with these clubs.

The FIGC’s decision stems from a comprehensive inquiry conducted by Turin prosecutors into footballers using unauthorized websites to place bets on games.

Newcastle’s manager, Eddie Howe, has pledged full support for Tonali during this challenging period. He expressed the club’s commitment to helping Tonali overcome his issues and reaffirmed their desire to keep him as an integral part of their team for years to come.