AC Milan boss denies knowing anything about Sandro Tonali's gambling problem
Italian football giants AC Milan manager Stefano Pioli insists the Serie A club were not aware of defensive midfielder Sandro Tonali's playing problems ahead of his move to Newcastle United.
The player was banned from football for ten months in October, just four months after his high-profile move to Newcastle. Prior to this, he admitted that he had also participated in match betting through illegal gambling websites, which violated the regulations of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) and the English Football Association (FA).
Newcastle United paid £55 million ($70 million) for the 23-year-old this summer, the highest amount ever paid for an Italian footballer. But if club managers knew he was coming with baggage, or at least asking for a discount, they might think twice. The club declined to comment on whether it planned to take legal action against Milan.
Pioli told the media on Tuesday that he was not aware of any issues and still believed Newcastle had done a "great deal".
No, I don't know anything about Sandro's problem," Pioli said. "He is polite, respectful and a sensible boy. Even though I think I have a close, open relationship with the players, I don't just talk about football. But I don't know what they are doing out there. "
Pioli was speaking at a press conference ahead of Milan's Champions League match against Newcastle on Wednesday night.
Links to Organized Crime
Italian police discovered Tonali's gambling habits while investigating illegal online gambling linked to organized crime.
Investigators interviewed Tonali and Italy international Nicolo Zaniolo at an Italian training camp on October 12 as the team prepared for a crucial Euro 2024 qualifier against England.
Zaniolo, who plays for Aston Villa in the Premier League, refused to bet on the game. He admitted playing online poker and blackjack, although he told police he had no idea the websites he was using were illegal.
"TRAUMATIC" EXAMINATION
Both players were sent home from training camp and have not played for their national teams since. Italy coach Luciano Spalletti described the experience as "traumatic".
According to Italian Football Federation regulations, Tonali faces a ban of up to three years. But his lawyers struck a deal for the player. This included eight months of rehabilitation and at least 16 public appearances in support of programs to combat problem gambling.
Also in October, Juventus midfielder Nicolo Fagioli was banned for seven months as part of an agreement with the Italian Football Federation for breaching match betting rules.
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Source: www.casino.org
