Sandro Tonali of Newcastle United has been suspended from football for a year amidst betting on AC Milan games.
According to reports, The Italian football player has confessed to prosecutors that he placed bets on the Italian club side’s matches during his time at the club.
What has happened to Sandro Tonali?
The 23-year-old was not included in Italy’s Euro 2024 qualifying match which they suffered a defeat at the hand of England at Wembley Stadium on Tuesday, 17th of October.
Sandro Tonali was among other Italian football players named for breaching betting rules last week.
On Wednesday, 18th of October, Newcastle United declared that the midfielder is being investigated by the Italian prosecutors and the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) for breaking betting laws.
The 23-year-old was interrogated by the Turin Prosecutors office for a few hours while he told them that he placed bets on football matches that involved AC Milan both the one he played and those that he didn’t participate in.
Meanwhile, according to FIFA rules related to this, players face up to a three-year ban from both club and international football if found guilty of breaching betting rules.
However, according to reports, Tonali will now face a one-year ban for accepting his guilt before the conclusion of the investigation.
On the other hand, his confession complicated the issue. He claims he did not place bets on Milan games when he was still at the club and, if this statement is accepted, Tonali will not be charged with game fixing as he would not have affected a match.
However, the proof he gambled on his own team has resulted in a year’s suspension from the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) prosecutors.
The midfielder has also announced that he suffered from a gambling addiction which means aspect of his suspension could be shifted to compulsory therapy sessions.
The Newcastle United midfielder will wish to receive a related discipline to Juventus midfielder Nicolo Fagioli, who was punished with a seven-month suspension plus a fine and therapy.
The 23-year-old risks a significant fine for using an unauthorized betting App. Investigators will be able to relate what he explained in his proclamation with what they saw on his mobile phone and tablet, which were seized.
Along with Tonali and Fagioli, Aston Villa’s Nicolo Zaniolo has also been accused of the betting crime and faces a similar penalty.
What Newcastle United said about Sandro Tonali’s betting scandal
The English Premier League club said; “Newcastle United can confirm that Sandro Tonali is subject to investigation by the Italian Prosecutor’s Office and Italian Football Federation (FIGC) about illegal betting activity.
“Sandro is fully engaging with the investigation and will continue to cooperate with all relevant authorities”.
“He and his family will continue to receive the club’s full support”.
“Due to this ongoing process, Sandro Tonali and Newcastle United are unable to offer further comment at this time.”
