18 October 2023 , 13:39
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Sandro Tonali faces the prospect of a three-year ban from football after the 'shaken' Newcastle midfielder admitted to betting on matches.
The Italian international arrived on Tyneside this summer following a £54million move from AC Milan, and has been a key figure in his new club's early season form in both the Premier League and Champions League. But in a sensational development, the 23-year-old was named in an Italian football betting probe last week, and was duly withdrawn from the national squad for the defeat to England.
Aston Villa loanee Nicolo Zaniolo was also axed, with more than 40 players overall suspected of breaches. And having admitted the offences at a hearing in Turin on Tuesday, Tonali is among a large number of stars set to be banned
Critically, the player has conceded he bet on matches that involved Milan while he was at the San Siro - both in games he played in and was unavailable for. He has since returned to training with Newcastle but faces showdown talks with manager Eddie Howe and the club's legal team.
According to FIFA Code 26, the likes of Tonali could be sanctioned to a three-year ban from worldwide football. However, the early guilty plea and willingness to co-operate with authorities could see Tonali temper the severity of Tonali's punishment.
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His north-east club are reportedly surprised and angered by the revelations, but are yet to comment publicly. But agent Guiseppe Riso has publicly stated his client is battling a gambling addiction.
Newcastle star Sandro Tonali if facing a lengthy ban (Getty Images)HAVE YOUR SAY! Is betting now a big problem in football? Comment below.
"Sandro is playing his most important game - against betting addiction. He’s in shock, very sad," he 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."
The Toon Army return to Premier League this Saturday with a home game against Crystal Palace. Tonali has thus far been involved in seven of the club's eight league games in 2023/24.