Sandro Tonali will be banned from football for 10 months over breaches of rules on betting on matches in Italy, the head of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) said on Thursday.
Tonali, who joined Newcastle United from AC Milan this year, must also attend treatment sessions for problem gamblers and give a series of talks about his experience over a further eight-month period as part of an agreement with the FIGC.
Tonali had been assisting the investigation and his legal team have been working on a plea bargain after he admitted to making bets on AC Milan to win games in a hearing at the Italian Federation in Turin.
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Paul Merson shares his thoughts on Sandro Tonali’s situation at Newcastle, with the Italian midfielder being investigated for alleged betting activity
Without his cooperation, Tonali could have faced up to a three-year suspension under FIFA rules.
A 10-month ban would see Tonali miss the rest of the Premier League season and Euro 2024, should Italy qualify. He will not be available for action until August 2024.
Tonali will also spend eight months in rehab undertaking recovery work which includes 16 visits to Italy over the course of eight months.
The player must pay a €20,000 fine but is free to train with Newcastle and play in friendlies.
More to follow…
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