Sandro Tonali has been charged by the England FA for breaching betting rules in another big blow to the player.
The Newcastle United star is already on a 10-month ban for the same offense but is now set to face fresh allegations from the FA.
In October 2023, Italian football authorities, through the aegis of the FGIC, slammed Tonali with a 10-month ban for breaching betting rules.
The ban, which was originally set to be applicable only in Italy, was made worldwide by FIFA, hence Tonali was hit with the penalty although he was playing in the Premier League in England.
While the Italian footballer was still under the probe of the FGIC, Futballnews understood he could be placed on investigation by England FA for the same offense.
According to BBC, the England FA have now slammed Sandro Tonali with charges for breaching betting rules.
Newcastle United’s statement confirming FA charges on the player reads;
“Newcastle United acknowledges a misconduct charge received by Sandro Tonali in respect of alleged breaches of FA Betting Rules,” the club said on Thursday.
“Sandro continues to fully comply with relevant investigations and he retains the club’s full support.”
The FA reportedly alleged that Tonali had bet several times in a matter of months after his move from AC Milan to the Premier League.
From August 12 to October 12, 2023, the former AC Milan midfielder reportedly bet 50 times on Premier League matches, breaching FA betting rules.
Newcastle United have pledged their support for the player amid the new charges by the FA.
Before his ban, the 23-year-old was already up to gear on his career with the Magpies, making 12 appearances for the club in all competitions.
He has served 4 of his 10-month ban by FGIC and could see the ban extended amidst the fresh charges. According to reports, he has been given until April 5 to respond to the charges.
What next for Sandro Tonali?
It is a dire situation for the Italian footballer as things stand. According to reports, Tonali would have bagged as much as a three-year suspension if he had not entered a plea bargain and cooperated with the FGIC. He was slammed with a 10-month ban after he admitted to gambling which led him to bet on AC Milan matches while playing for the club.
Details of his 10-month ban show he is free to train with Newcastle United and even play in club friendlies but was barred from international football including 2024 Euros, and other competitive footballing actions. He was also mandated to undergo an eight-month therapy for gambling, including payment of £17,000 as a fine.
Following the latest charge, Tonali will be referred to an independent commission where he will be investigated, and allowed to defend himself before a decision on a possible penalty if he is found guilty.
