Why Sandro Tonali could play this weekend despite ban

• Sandro Tonali received a 10-month ban from the Italian Football Federation (FIGC)
• The midfielder was banned for breaching betting rules after pleading guilty to the allegations
• Tonali could still play this weekend as his punishment is yet to be ratified by the world governing body FIFA

Newcastle United midfielder, Sandro Tonali, might be involved in the upcoming Premier League clash against Wolves on Saturday, despite receiving a 10-month suspension. The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) confirmed the ban on Thursday following Tonali’s agreement to a plea bargain as part of an investigation into illicit betting activities.

This development emerged as a significant blow for the 23-year-old, who recently joined Newcastle in a £55 million deal from Serie A side AC Milan.

However, the club has yet to receive official notification of the ban, which has not been officially approved by the global governing body FIFA. Consequently, as things stand, Tonali was scheduled to travel with the rest of the squad to the Midlands on Friday afternoon.

Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali is set to be involved in the Premier League this weekend despite receiving a 10-month ban for breaching betting rules. | PHOTO: GOAL |

READ: Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali handed a 10-month ban

Newcastle United head coach, Eddie Howe, expressed the team’s dilemma, stating that they are currently in a state of uncertainty, awaiting formal communication from the Italian authorities.

Howe addressed the possibility of Tonali’s participation in the match at Molineux, indicating a likelihood of his availability. Despite the recent developments, Howe emphasized that certain procedural steps must be completed before the ban can be enforced.

As a result of the investigation, the Italy international also faced a fine of 20,000 euros and will be required to undergo eight months of therapy, along with fulfilling a series of public appearances. Tonali’s involvement in the probe emerged during the international break this month, with allegations suggesting that he had placed bets on games involving his former clubs, Brescia and Milan, during his respective tenures with these teams.

The severity of these allegations has undoubtedly cast a shadow over Tonali’s promising career and has brought about a challenging period for the young midfielder. Newcastle, as a club, is currently navigating the uncertainties surrounding the situation while awaiting further clarification and guidance from the relevant authorities.