Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali has had his 10-month ban ratified by FIFA, with his suspension now commencing.
The Italy international, 23, has been banned from all football activity after being found guilty of breaching rules on gambling by the Italian Football Federation (FIGC).
The FIGC announced the sanction — which includes a further eight months’ rehabilitation, including therapy — on Wednesday and submitted a request on Friday to FIFA for the ban to be applied worldwide.
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World football’s governing body confirmed to The Athletic on Friday evening that that request had been granted and that the ban was effective immediately. Newcastle confirmed the ban on Saturday morning.
A Newcastle statement read: “Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali has been banned from competitive football for ten months, as effective from Friday 27th October 2023, following illegal betting charges by the Italian Football Federation (FIGC).
“FIGC’s sanction includes an overall 18-month ban, with eight months commuted as the player participates in a therapeutic plan and educational programme in Italy consisting of 16 commitments.
“On the evening of Friday 27th October, Newcastle United received confirmation that FIFA has endorsed FIGC’s sanction to be applied worldwide, meaning Sandro will be eligible to return to competitive football from Tuesday 27th August 2024.”
Tonali played in the midweek Champions League defeat to Borussia Dortmund and manager Eddie Howe had said on Friday morning that there appeared a “high chance” that he could feature against Wolves on Saturday while the club waited for official confirmation.
But the ban has now been rubberstamped, meaning Tonali will not be eligible for a swansong at Molineux.
Tonali, who joined Newcastle from AC Milan in a €70million transfer in July, will now be prohibited from playing in any matches for his club or national team in the 10-month period.
Gambling is not a crime in Italy as long as bets are placed on recognised platforms, but Article 24 of the FIGC’s sporting justice code forbids the placing or taking of bets, directly or indirectly on events organised by the FIGC, FIFA and UEFA.
Tonali’s legal team confirmed last week that he had met with prosecutors and that they were seeking a quick resolution to the case with the FIGC confirming the sanctions on Thursday.
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Tonali’s agent stated at an event in London earlier this month that his client had been suffering from a “gambling illness”.
“Sandro is a bit shaken up by the situation,” Tonali’s representative, Beppe Riso. “But he’s already started to fight back. Sandro is a fighter.
“The biggest game has started against an illness. Sandro is used to big games and usually he wins them. Sandro’s experience will save the lives of other kids.”
Howe had said that Newcastle would “throw our arms around” Tonali to give him “love and support”.
Juventus midfielder Nicolo Fagioli and Aston Villa’s Nicolo Zaniolo have also been investigated as part of the same case. Fagioli received a seven-month ban from football after striking an agreement with the FIGC.
Zaniolo was questioned alongside Tonali during the international break at Italy’s Coverciano training base, but he has maintained he did not use the platforms to bet on sport.
(Photo: Getty Images)
