18 October 2023 , 12:45
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Newcastle United star Sandro Tonali could face a ban of up to three years after admitting to gambling on Milan matches while he was playing for the Serie A giants.
The midfielder, 23, yesterday told a hearing at the Italian Federation in Turin that he had placed a number of bets on Milan to win in games that he was both involved in and absent from.
And Article 26 of FIFA’s code dictates players found to have breached gambling rules can be handed a maximum suspension of 36 months in addition to financial penalties.
However, Tonali’s admission of guilt and co-operation with the Italian authorities is expected to see him given a less severe punishment.
What do FIFA say?
FIFA says: “Persons bound by this code shall be forbidden from participating in, either directly or indirectly, betting, gambling, lotteries or similar events or transactions related to football matches or competitions and/or any related football activities.
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“Provided that the relevant conduct does not constitute another violation of this Code, violation of this article shall be sanctioned with an appropriate fine of at least CHF 100,000 and a ban on taking part in any football-related activity for a maximum of three years. Any amount unduly received shall be included in the calculation of the fine.”
Even if the offences are confined to Italy, Tonali will be banned from playing in England?
Yes, the punishment will be applicable worldwide to leave Newcastle with a massive headache.
The Juventus midfielder Nicolo Fagioli was yesterday given a one-year ban but had the final five months suspended after he handed himself in to authorities.
How did all this come about?
Reports in Italy suggest that more than 40 players are being investigated in the scandal and Aston Villa’s Nicolo Zaniolo has also had electronic devices seized. Both Tonali and Zaniolo were withdrawn from Italy’s squad following a raid on their training base last week that appears to have taken everyone by surprise.
But investigators will have been working on the case for some time and there are questions to answer in relation to who knew what and when.
Tonali moved to St James’ Park from Milan in a £55m deal during the summer and sources at the Tyneside club insist they were entirely unaware of the player being implicated in a widespread Italian betting probe.
Tonali’s agent yesterday said that the player was addicted to gambling and is shaken but would be available to Newcastle boss Eddie Howe for the game against Crystal Palace this weekend.
Sandro Tonali in action for Newcastle against Milan last month. (Getty Images)"Sandro is playing his most important game - against betting addiction. He’s in shock, very sad,” Giuseppe Riso said. "He has to face this. He is training at the moment. He can play Saturday. He knows he made a mistake and is quite shaken. But he understands that he must face the matter with determination.
“Newcastle have always been close to him. He is playing the most important game of his career, that of gambling addiction, but I am sure he will win it.”
Newcastle's Statement
"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.
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"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."