Sandro Tonali, a midfielder for Newcastle, will be out until the next season after receiving a 10-month suspension for his involvement in illicit football betting.
Nicolo Fagioli and Nicolo Zaniolo were also charged in connection with an investigation into football betting, which included Tonali as one of three Italian players mentioned.
Police questioned the three about their involvement; in his deposition, Juventus midfielder Fagioli stated that Tonali had introduced him to untraceable sites.
The Italian FA banned Fagioli for seven months and mandated that he participate in treatment for his gambling addiction; his penalty set a precedent.
Following concerns of a three-year FIFA penalty, Tonali’s agents struck a plea deal during this week’s hearing with Italian officials in Turin.
As a result, the 23-year-old midfielder for Newcastle will miss the rest of the season after receiving a 10-month football ban.
Tonali’s ban lasts until August of next year, therefore he is unable to play in any club or national competitions. As a result, he will also be absent from Euro 2024.
According to Gabriele Gravina, the president of the Italian Football Association, “the agreement consists of a 10-month ban plus eight months of rehab activities and at least 16 in-person appearances.”
After signing for £55 million from AC Milan, Tonali’s infractions stem from his Serie A days. Fagioli clarifies that Tonali started betting while he was with the Italy U21s in 2021.
Milan has maintained that when they approved his transfer to St. James’ Park, they were unaware of the circumstances.
Before Wednesday night’s Champions League match against Dortmund, Tonali had started eight of his eleven Newcastle games, including the team’s 2-1 loss to Liverpool in August.
Newcastle and Liverpool will play again in December. At the moment, Newcastle is four points behind Liverpool in fourth place in the table.
