Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali has received confirmation from FIFA that his 10-month ban has been ratified, and his suspension will now take effect.
23-year-old Italian international Tonali has been banned from participating in all football activities after being found guilty of violating gambling rules set by the Italian Football Federation (FIGC).
The FIGC announced this sanction, which includes an additional eight months of rehabilitation and therapy, on Wednesday. On Friday, they submitted a request to FIFA for the ban to be applied globally.
World football’s governing body, as confirmed by The Athletic on Friday evening, granted the request, making the ban effective immediately.
Tonali played in the recent Champions League defeat to Borussia Dortmund, and manager Eddie Howe had expressed optimism about Tonali’s availability for the Wolves match on Saturday while awaiting official confirmation.
However, the ban has now been rubberstamped, depriving Tonali of a final appearance at Molineux.
Tonali, who was transferred from AC Milan to Newcastle in July for €70 million, will be prohibited from participating in any matches for his club or national team during the ten-month period.
In Italy, gambling is not illegal as long as bets are placed on recognized platforms. Nevertheless, Article 24 of the FIGC’s sporting justice code prohibits the placing or taking of bets, directly or indirectly, on events organized by the FIGC, FIFA, and UEFA.
Tonali’s legal team confirmed last week that he had met with prosecutors and expressed a desire for a quick resolution to the case. The FIGC subsequently confirmed the sanctions on Thursday.
During an event in London earlier this month, Tonali’s agent, Beppe Riso, stated that his client was struggling with a “gambling illness.”
“Sandro is a bit shaken up by the situation,” Riso said. “But he’s already started to fight back. Sandro is a fighter.
“The biggest game he’s ever faced is against this illness. Sandro is accustomed to big games and usually emerges victorious. Sandro’s experience will help save the lives of other young people.”
Howe had previously indicated that Newcastle would provide support and show Tonali love during this difficult time.
Juventus midfielder Nicolo Fagioli and Aston Villa’s Nicolo Zaniolo are also part of the same case and have been investigated. Fagioli agreed to a seven-month ban after reaching an agreement with the FIGC.
Zaniolo was questioned alongside Tonali during the international break at Italy’s Coverciano training base, but he maintains that he did not use the platforms to place bets on sports.
(Photo: Getty Images)
