Sandro Tonali of Newcastle United Faces Suspension Following Plea Resolution in Betting Controversy
In just under four months since joining Newcastle United in the English Premier League, 23-year-old midfielder Sandro Tonali faces a 10-month suspension and a €20,000 ($21,100) fine.
The reason behind these penalties? The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) found Tonali to have violated restrictions on betting on soccer matches. This global ban extends to all FIFA and UEFA-sanctioned events, so he'll be out for the rest of Newcastle's 2023-24 campaign. Moreover, if Italy reaches the Euro 2024 tournament, Tonali won't be eligible to participate.
Tonali's agent, citing a gambling addiction, confirms the player bet on various soccer matches—even those where he participated as a player for AC Milan in Serie A.
In July, Newcastle spent around €70 million ($74 million) to acquire Tonali, making it the most expensive transfer in football history for an Italian player.
The Plea Deal
Under FIGC, Tonali could face an 18-month suspension if he fails to adhere to the terms of a plea agreement. The deal requires Tonali to take part in an eight-month counseling program to tackle his gambling addiction. Additionally, he must speak at a minimum of 16 public events to warn youth football players and amateur sports organizations about the risks of betting on sporting events. FIGC's Federal Prosecutor's Office will monitor his compliance. Failure to do so may lead to termination of the agreement and renewed disciplinary proceedings.
The 10-month suspension could've resulted in a three-year ban, but Tonali's cooperation helped the FIGC agree to this arrangement.
Three other Italian footballers have recently been under investigation for similar offenses.
In early April, Juventus midfielder Nicolo Fagioli received a seven-month ban for placing bets on Serie A games. A few weeks ago, it was revealed that Tonali's international teammate, Nicolo Zaniolo (an Aston Villa midfielder/right winger), is currently under investigation for betting on football. Zaniolo denies betting on football but admits to participating in other gambling activities.
High-Profile Scandals
Tonali is not the first football celebrity caught up in a betting scandal, but he is one of the more prominent cases.
Last May, Brentford striker Ivan Toney received an eight-month ban from the English Football Association for over 200 instances of breaking betting rules between 2017 and 2021. Alongside the suspension, he was fined £50,000 ($61,000).
An investigation into Toney uncovered at least 13 instances of him betting against his own team in matches he didn't play. The FA decided he wasn't engaged in match-fixing, which involves intentionally throwing a game.
Ex-Manchester City and Newcastle midfielder Joey Barton was banned for 18 months in 2017 due to over 1,200 soccer bets he made during the preceding decade. However, his sentence was reduced to five months on appeal.
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Source: www.casino.org
