Newcastle have spoken for the first time on the investigation into Sandro Tonali’s alleged betting activity with the Italian set to face a lengthy ban away from professional football. Italian football has been rocked over the past month after a probe into illegal gambling revealed a number of prominent footballers were involved.
Tonali was one of the players named in the betting probe last week and he faced questions from the Italian Federation in Turin on Tuesday. He’s said to have admitted to betting on AC Milan matches while still playing for the Serie A club.
According to FIFA rules, such conduct could result in a player being banned for up to three years. Tonali is not expected to be handed that kind of punishment due to his reported admission of guilt, but he could still face several months out.
Newcastle have now issued a statement on Tonali’s situation, insisting the midfielder and his family have the club’s “full support”. The statement read: “Newcastle United can confirm that Sandro Tonali is subject to investigation by the Italian Prosecutor’s Office and Italian Football Federation (FIGC) in relation to 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 and Newcastle United are unable to offer further comment at this time.”
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Tonali’s international team-mate, Nicolo Fagioli, has already been banned for seven months for breaching betting regulations. The Italian Prosecutor’s Office and Italian Football Federation (FIGC) announced Fagioli had five months of a one-year ban suspended and was fined £10,848.
Part of the plea bargain will also see Fagioli take part in a therapy programme to tackle his gambling problem. Tonali’s agent spoke out on Tuesday, admitting the midfielder had a gambling addiction of his own.
“Sandro suffers from a gambling addiction,” Giuseppe Riso said. “He’s fighting to avoid that and I’m sure he will win this difficult game.
“He is in shock, he is shaken and sad.”
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