Published on 27.10.2023
Newcastle and Italy midfielder Sandro Tonali has been banned for 10 months by the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) for breaching betting rules.
Newcastle star Sandro Tonali has been banned from football for 10 months for illegal betting.
The midfielder will be ruled out for the rest of the season after reaching a plea bargain, with his lawyers having negotiated with prosecutors and the Italian football federation this week.
Italian FA chief Gabriele Gravina confirmed an agreement had been reached for a 10-month ban, including eight months of therapy.
The FIGC stated that the federal prosecutor and Tonali had agreed to an 18-month disqualification, eight months of which will be commuted to “a therapeutic plan” to help “recovery from gambling addiction”.
That will include at least 16 public appearances in Italy, at amateur sports associations and “federal territorial centres”, where he will be expected to speak to young players about the dangers of betting.
FIGC president Gabriele Gravina said, “The plea bargain and extenuating circumstances have been taken into consideration and the players’ collaboration went above and beyond, therefore we must continue to respect the rules we have established for ourselves.”
His admission of guilt and willingness to seek treatment for what his agent calls a ‘gambling addiction’ is believed to have helped him reduce the ban. It is also said he did not bet on Milan to lose matches.
Tonali’s ban will see him miss the remainder of Newcastle’s season and Euro 2024, should Italy qualify for the tournament.
