Newcastle Player Gets 10 Month Ban For Gambling

Newcastle United has announced that their midfielder, Sandro Tonali, has been handed a 10-month ban from all football-related activities due to his conviction on illegal betting charges.

In a statement released on Saturday, the club stated, “Sandro Tonali has been suspended from competitive football for ten months, effective from Friday, 27th October 2023, following his conviction on illegal betting charges by the Italian Football Federation (FIGC).”

Tonali, who was signed by Newcastle from AC Milan during the previous summer transfer window, had previously been slapped with an 18-month suspension for his involvement in betting on football matches during his time in Italy. He later admitted to struggling with a gambling addiction.

As part of his rehabilitation, Tonali agreed to participate in a therapeutic plan and educational program in Italy, which consisted of 16 commitments. This resulted in a reduction of his suspension to 10 months. FIFA subsequently ratified the ban on Friday, making it applicable worldwide.

In addition to Tonali, Juventus’ Nicolo Fagioli received a seven-month ban, and Aston Villa’s Nicolo Zaniolo is currently under investigation for similar offenses.

The 23-year-old Tonali will not be eligible to return to competitive football for both his club and the national team until Tuesday, August 27, 2024.