Newcastle Break Silence On Tonali's Betting Saga

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MILAN: According to FIFA Code 26, a player who violates betting rules could face a three-year ban.

Newcastle Football Club and Italian football player Sandro Tonali is facing a ban from football activities for violating betting rules. His club has confirmed that the midfielder is under investigation, which emanates from his time in the books of AC Milan, a Serie A outfit.

“Sandro Tonali is subject to investigation by the Italian Prosecutor’s office and Italian Football Federation (FIGC) in relation to illegal betting activities,” said the club in a statement posted on its website. It went further thus: “Sandro is fully engaging with the investigations and will continue to cooperate with all relevant authorities.

He and his family will continue to receive the club’s full support. Due to the ongoing process, Sandro and Newcastle United are unable to offer further comment at this time.”

Reports from Milan are that the player has already admitted to having made bets on matches he featured in and matches he did not play.

According to FIFA Code 26, a player who violates betting rules could face a three-year ban. However, the 23-year-old could receive a lenient sanction as he is reportedly cooperating with the investigation, which promoted his withdrawal from an Italian national team prior to the Euro 2024 qualifiers match against England on Tuesday, 17 October.

Betting scandals have rocked the Italian football lately, leading to a series of investigations into Serie A players. One player by the name of Nicolo Figioli, who plays for Juventus, has already been punished and handed a seven-month ban for his involvement in illegal betting activities. Reportedly, the player received a lenient sanction because, unlike others, he reported himself to the Italian authorities.