Newcastle player Sandro Tonali is potentially facing a lengthy ban after he reportedly admitted to betting on matches involving AC Milan.
Tonali was questioned by police last week alongside Aston Villa midfielder Nicolo Zaniolo amid an ongoing investigation into illegal betting.
Both Tonali and Zaniolo have been released from international duty, meaning they weren’t involved in the Euro 2024 qualifier against England yesterday.
However, Sky Sports reports that Tonali, who was signed by Newcastle over the summer for £55 million, is expected back in the city today.
Italian media has reported that Tonali reported himself to the sports justice body, with reports stating that he admitted to illegal betting while in a meeting with an Italian prosecutor.
The player’s agent Giuseppe Riso has spoken out and confirmed that the midfielder is fighting a gambling addiction.
“Sandro suffers of gambling addiction. He’s fighting to avoid that and I’m sure he will win this difficult game,” Riso said while speaking at an event in London.
“He’s sad, still in shock. I’d like to thank Newcastle as they’re supporting Sandro. He’s training, he could feature on Saturday.
“I hope this gambling addiction issue will help to save Sandro’s life as well as many other young guys affected by the same problem. Sandro understood that he has to focus on this issue and face up to the gambling addiction with a strong, determined approach.”
Tonali currently remains in Italy, where he has just taken part in a 3-hour hearing with prosecutor Giuseppe Chine as part of the investigation.
Per Gazzetta dello Sport reporter Fabiana della Valle, the twenty-three-year-old has admitted to betting on matches involving AC Milan, who he played for between 2020 and 2023.
Despite this, Tonali is reportedly set to not be a breach as he allegedly bet on Milan to win matches when he himself was not playing as part of the squad.
However, if the Italian player is found guilty of illegal betting, he could face up to 3 years banned from the pitch as a result of Article 24 of the sporting justice code. If Tonali reaches a plea agreement, the length of his ban could be halved.
The news of the probe into Tonali’s betting comes after Juventus midfielder Nicolo Fagioli was given a twelve-month ban by the FIGC.
Although he was investigated by the same illegal betting probe, Fagioli handed himself in, meaning that he has had his ban shortened to 7 months, with 5 months of the term being suspended.
He also agreed to a therapy plan for at least 6 months to help tackle his gambling problem, and speak in at least 10 sessions with amateur sporting organisations.
The Athletic reports that decisions on the fates of Tonali and Zaniolo will be reached by December.
