Sandro Tonali, who’s suited up 12 times for Newcastle United, just started his 10-month sabbatical from the football world, thanks to FIFA deciding to make the ban international.
The young 23-year-old received his initial suspension from Italy’s Football Federation (FIGC) last Thursday for violating gambling regulations.
As part of the penalty, FIGC announced that Tonali will be taking part in a “healing regimen” designed to help him kick his gambling habit to the curb.
According to an official Newcastle United announcement, the Italian midfielder is eligible to make his comeback to the competitive football scene on August 7, 2024.
As recently as Friday morning, Newcastle’s skipper Eddie Howe was under the impression that Tonali would be lacing up his boots to face Wolves in the upcoming Premier League match, since no official ban notice had hit their inbox yet.
However, FIFA rained on that parade by Friday night, confirming they’d honored FIGC’s appeal to make Tonali’s ban a global affair.
In a Saturday update, Newcastle clarified, “As of Friday, October 27, 2023, Sandro Tonali is off the football grid for 10 months due to unlawful gambling activities, as dictated by the Italian Football Federation.”
Tonali apparently broke a rule that forbids players from laying down bets on football matches managed by FIGC, UEFA, and FIFA. On top of his ban, he’s also lighter in the pocket to the tune of 20,000 euros (£17,380).
Both the FIGC federal prosecutor and Tonali nodded in agreement to an 18-month ban, with an option to shave off eight months.
Newcastle also mentioned that Tonali will be embarking on a “rehabilitative and educational journey in Italy, comprised of 16 stages.”
While rumors circulate that Tonali could still train with Newcastle, Howe confessed, “we’re still in the dark on that one.”
Tonali had made headlines this past July, transferring from AC Milan to Newcastle for a whopping £55 million, making him the team’s second-priciest acquisition ever.
Howe disclosed that they were clueless about any gambling rule violations at the time of signing. “We invested in him solely for his skills, completely unaware that this could ever come up,” Howe said. “We’re bummed out about losing a talent, but hey, life—and football—throw curveballs.”
Talking about how Tonali is handling the whole affair, Howe said, “He’s been surprisingly upbeat in training. Though I’m sure he’s going through a rough patch mentally.”
In the wake of Tonali’s ban, chatter suggests Newcastle may have their eye on former Wolves midfielder Ruben Neves, who currently plays in the Saudi Pro League with Al-Hilal.
That’s the skinny on everything Newcastle United. Stay tuned for more coverage that’s larger and more in-depth than ever before. You won’t want to miss a beat.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Sandro Tonali 10-Month Ban
What led to Sandro Tonali’s 10-month ban from football?
Sandro Tonali received a 10-month ban due to violations of gambling regulations as determined by the Italian Football Federation (FIGC). The ban was later extended to be enforced worldwide by FIFA.
Who initially imposed the ban on Sandro Tonali?
The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) was the initial body to impose the ban on Tonali. They decided that he had breached betting rules, specifically placing bets on football events organized by FIGC, UEFA, and FIFA.
When will Sandro Tonali be able to return to competitive football?
According to an official statement by Newcastle United, Sandro Tonali is eligible to return to competitive football on August 7, 2024.
Was Newcastle United aware of Tonali’s potential betting breaches when they signed him?
No, Newcastle’s manager Eddie Howe stated that the club had no prior knowledge of any potential betting breaches when they signed Tonali. They were disappointed to find out about it after the fact.
What are the additional penalties for Tonali besides the ban?
Besides the ban, Sandro Tonali has also been fined 20,000 euros (£17,380). Additionally, he will be undergoing a “healing regimen” or a therapeutic plan to aid in his recovery from gambling addiction.
Will Sandro Tonali be allowed to train with Newcastle during the ban?
This is currently uncertain. Although rumors suggest that he could still train with the team, Newcastle’s manager Eddie Howe mentioned that they don’t have concrete information regarding this.
Is Newcastle United considering any replacements for Tonali?
While not confirmed, there are reports linking Newcastle with a potential interest in former Wolves midfielder Ruben Neves, who is currently playing in the Saudi Pro League with Al-Hilal.
What was Sandro Tonali’s transfer fee when he moved to Newcastle?
Sandro Tonali transferred from AC Milan to Newcastle United for £55 million, making him the club’s second most expensive signing.
What does the “therapeutic plan and educational programme” for Tonali consist of?
According to Newcastle, Tonali will embark on a rehabilitative journey in Italy that consists of 16 stages or commitments aimed at helping him recover from gambling addiction.
How has Sandro Tonali’s training and mood been affected since the ban?
According to Eddie Howe, Tonali has been “surprisingly upbeat in training.” However, it is acknowledged that the situation likely presents some challenging times for him mentally.
More about Sandro Tonali 10-Month Ban
- Newcastle United Official Statement on Sandro Tonali’s Ban
- FIFA Extends Tonali’s Ban Globally
- Italian Football Federation’s Announcement
- Eddie Howe’s Press Conference on Tonali Situation
- Details on Sandro Tonali’s Transfer to Newcastle
- Rumors about Newcastle’s Interest in Ruben Neves
- Information on Gambling Addiction Therapeutic Plans
- UEFA’s Betting Rules and Regulations
- Overview of Premier League 2024 Season
- Latest Sports Legal Troubles
10 comments
Tonali banned, Neves in? As a Wolves fan, this feels like a sci-fi plot twist. The universe is weird.
Sucks for him but the rules are the rules. Maybe he can make a career switch to poker or something, ya never know.
seriously tho, 10 months? that’s almost a whole season! And Newcastle paid £55m for this guy? Someone’s not doing their homework over there.
Not a huge sports person, but this is like watching a rockstar fall from grace. Hope he finds his way back, y’know.
Newcastle might be in real trouble without Tonali. Ruben Neves as a replacement? I dunno, different styles entirely.
This drama is better than any movie I’ve seen lately. Tonali’s life could be a blockbuster hit, with a redemption arc and all haha.
What’s this “therapeutic plan” all about? 16 stages? sounds like a video game quest or somethin lol.
Woah, 10 months is a long time to be out of the game. Especially for something like betting. Tonali’s gotta be kicking himself right now, man.
Just thinkin, how do they even catch these guys? Must be some sorta special task force or sth. Makes you wonder who else is doing this and not getting caught.
I feel bad for the guy, but also for Newcastle. How do you even prepare for something like this. It’s a mess for everyone involved.