Sandro Tonali's Betting Probe: Newcastle Midfielder's Legal Team In Talks Over 10-Month Ban

Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali is facing a 10-month ban after admitting to placing bets on matches in which he played during his time at Milan.

Tonali's legal team is in discussions with Italian authorities over the ban, which would see him miss the rest of the Premier League season and Euro 2024, should Italy qualify.

Sandro Tonali's betting probe

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="716"] Tonali may be suspended from games for 10 months. | Credit: Getty Images[/caption] The 23-year-old is accused of placing bets on multiple matches, including Milan's 3-0 loss to Juventus in January 2022 and their 2-1 win over Inter Milan in February 2022. Tonali has pleaded guilty and is currently in talks with Italian authorities to shorten the duration of his suspension. The Newcastle player could be suspended for up to three years if he does not cooperate with FIFA. Since Newcastle paid £55 million to sign Sandro Tonali from Milan in the summer, a 10-month suspension against him would be a devastating blow to the club. Tonali has been an integral part of Newcastle's success this season, starting 11 games and playing in many more. Aside from his two goals, he also had three assists. The Italian player is also very important to the Italian national team, and if they make it to Euro 2024, he will likely start.

What does this mean for Sandro Tonali and Newcastle?

Tonali and the club would take a serious hit if the ten-month suspension is upheld. A serious setback for Tonali's career, he would have to sit out the rest of the Premier League season. [caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="714"] Eddie Howe, Newcastle's manager, has shown support for the midfielder. Credit: sport-today.it. Source: Google[/caption] Furthermore, Newcastle would be missing a vital player for the remainder of the season. The Magpies are vying for a European spot and are currently in sixth place in the Premier League. Still, Sandro Tonali might face Borussia Dortmund in the UEFA Champions League group stage if Eddie Howe, the manager, deems fit.

What's the next road for Sandro Tonali?

Tonali's agent, Giuseppe Riso, indicated that the player had a "gambling addiction." If the suspension is upheld, Tonali won't be able to compete again until September 2024. Even though he is banned, he can still train with Newcastle but not play in any games. Sandro's Italian teammate, Nicolo Fagioli, who disclosed his gambling to the investigation, was given a five-month suspension from his one-year ban and a fine of €12,500 (£10,848) in exchange for agreeing to undergo at least six months of therapy for his gambling addiction.