Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali has been handed a 10-month ban by FIFA for violating gambling rules. The ban, which was approved by FIFA following a request from the Italian Football Federation (FIGC), will apply globally. In addition to the ban, Tonali will be required to undergo eight months of rehabilitation and therapy.
Despite featuring in Newcastle’s recent Champions League clash against Borussia Dortmund, Tonali will be ineligible for any future matches for the next 10 months. While gambling is not illegal in Italy, the FIGC’s sporting justice code expressly prohibits players from betting on events organized by FIGC, FIFA, and UEFA.
Tonali’s agent has claimed that the midfielder is afflicted by a “gambling illness” and is determined to fight back. It’s worth noting that other players, including Nicolo Fagioli from Juventus and Nicolo Zaniolo from Aston Villa, have also faced investigations but received less severe sanctions.
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe has expressed his support for Tonali, declaring that the club will provide him with love and assistance during this challenging period. Unfortunately, Tonali’s ban will prevent him from participating in the upcoming match against Wolves.
The 10-month ban comes as a blow for Tonali, who joined Newcastle from AC Milan in a record-breaking €70 million transfer this past July. The Italian midfielder was expected to play a crucial role in Newcastle’s future success, making this suspension especially disappointing for both him and the club.
As Tonali embarks on his rehabilitation and therapy journey, the football world will be watching closely to see how Newcastle United and the player himself navigate this difficult period.
“Prone to fits of apathy. Devoted music geek. Troublemaker. Typical analyst. Alcohol practitioner. Food junkie. Passionate tv fan. Web expert.”