- He is an Italian professional footballer
- He has been charged by FA for breaching betting rules
- He is likely to face further suspension from the FA
Italian midfielder Sandro Tonali is in hot soup with the FA after being charged with misconduct in relation to alleged breaches of the FA’s betting rules. He allegedly placed bets on football matches 50 times between August 2023 and October the same year.
The midfielder was facing a 10 month ban that was to end in August this year and a cash fine, also ordered to take part in an eight-month course of therapy to address his issues. However, he could face a further suspension for the new charges.
In a statement released by the FA, he has been charged with misconduct in relation to alleged breaches of the FA’s betting rules, by placing bets 50 times on football matches in a span of two months and has till April 5 to respond to the allegations.
The midfielder continues to fully comply with relevant investigations and he retains Newcastle’s full support. However, Newcastle United are unable to offer further comment at this time.
In his initial verdict, his punishment was reduced because he reached a plea bargain with the Italian prosecutor’s office and the Italian Football Federation. That ban means he is not able to play competitive football again until the ban duration is over, although he is free to train with Newcastle and play in friendlies but will be able to play for Italy at this summer’s Euros.
Tonali biography
Sandro is a 24-year-old Italian midfielder who is currently playing for Newcastle United. His career began with local teams in Italy and then joined Brescia where he played professionally. He made his debut for the club at 17-years old and played a role in the club’s Serie B title win.
Sandro Tonali. Photo/TEAMtalk
Four seasons later, he went on loan to AC Milan and a year later, they signed him permanently, and helped the club win a Serie A championship. In 2023, he had a record-breaking transfer to Newcastle United where he currently plays.
Internationally, he has represented Italy at various youth levels including featuring in the 2018 U19 European Championship. He received call-ups to the senior national team but has not yet taken the place.
Tonali’s initial charge
Tonali was charged with breaking betting rules, by making bets on AC Milan to win games. This put him on a 10 month suspension and was also fined, and ordered to take part in an eight-month course of therapy to address his issue.
His punishment was reduced because he reached a plea bargain with the Italian Prosecutors officer and the Italian Football Federation. With his cooperation, he could have faced up to a three-year suspension under FIFA rules from the original breaches.
Tonali’s latest charge on betting
The midfielder has been charged afresh by the FA after being charged with misconduct offence regarding alleged breaching of the FA’s betting rules. He allegedly placed bets on football matches 50 times between August 2023 and October the same year.
Sandro Tonali. Photo/Sky Sports
Newcastle United acknowledges a misconduct charge received by the player in regard to the alleged breach of the betting rules, and he continues to comply with relevant investigations. However, the club have not commented anything about the matter since it is still under investigation.
What should we expect after the investigations by the FA?
The player committed the offense while he was playing for Newcastle, which falls under FA’s decision. He faces possible sanctions which will, and be decided by an independent commission and he will be able to accept or deny the charges.
Placing 50 bets within two months suggests a serious breach and FA takes a firm stance against such an offense to maintain their integrity. He is currently facing a ban for a similar offense and this might take more strict measures, possibly uplifting the ban.
In the worst scenario, he is likely to get a lengthy ban from the FA on top of his existing suspension and a fine imposed.
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