Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali is facing a potential ban from football after admitting to placing bets on AC Milan games during his time at the club.
The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) is currently investigating the midfielder, and if proven guilty, he may be banned for up to three years.
Sandro Tonali's admission to betting
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Sandro Tonali's admission to betting | Credit: AizanAfsheen[/caption]
According to reports, Sandro Tonali has admitted to prosecutors that he placed bets on AC Milan games during his time at the club. He admitted to betting on matches - both in which he played and didn't play - for Milan to win.
Newcastle United, who signed Tonali from AC Milan in the summer of 2023, were taken aback by the midfielder's affirmation.
Tonali is facing a potential three-year penalty if he is found guilty of violating the code of conduct set down by the Italian Football Federation (FIGC), which is now looking into the situation.
Game betting prohibition
There are strict rules about betting on football games, and Tonali's case is a good reminder of them. It is against the rules for players and coaches to wager on any game, especially ones involving their own teams.
If Tonali is found guilty, it will be devastating to his professional reputation. He is a vital player in the middle for Newcastle and is widely considered to be one of the best young players in the world.
The case of Tonali is not the first time a football player has been punished for betting, either. Prominent players including Joey Barton, Daniel Sturridge, and
Kieran Trippier have all been banned from playing due to betting scandals in recent years.
Similarly, Nicolo Fagiolo, a teammate of Tonali's on the Italian national team, has been banned from all competitive play for seven months after admitting to breaking betting regulations.
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Nicolo Fagiolo faces seven months ban for games betting breach. | Credit: SkySports News[/caption]
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