The English Football Association is delving into accusations that Sandro Tonali, the midfield maestro recently acquired by Newcastle, may have engaged in activities against the betting regulations. After sealing a deal with the Magpies earlier this year, the Italian athlete, aged 23, is under scrutiny.
Previously, the Italian Football Federation imposed a 10-month hiatus on Tonali due to his gambling on matches in which his former squads, Brescia and Milan, took part. This suspension has since gained international recognition.
The £55 million July transfer from Milan to Newcastle is at the heart of the FA’s current investigation, probing if Tonali continued to wager on the sport post-transfer.
Dan Ashworth, the Magpies’ sporting director, expressed his uncertainty regarding Milan’s knowledge of the betting allegations at the time of Tonali’s sale. Ashworth conveyed the complexity of grasping the extent of other clubs’ awareness, emphasizing Newcastle’s focus on their internal processes and the surprise the charges brought to the club, likening it to an unforeseen storm.
Milan responded to the allegations, clarifying to the BBC that their first notification of the charges came via media outlets, and their knowledge extends only to what has been publicly reported.
Tonali, who now stands on the sidelines due to the ban, managed to make 12 appearances for Eddie Howe’s team. He is expected to miss the competitive action until the next season’s commencement.
As part of a plea agreement with the federal prosecutor, Tonali’s ban includes a component that substitutes eight months of inactivity with a “therapeutic plan.” This plan is designed to assist in his recovery from a gambling habit and includes at least 16 speaking engagements in Italy, aimed at educating young athletes about the risks associated with betting.
Though Tonali is barred from playing, he has not been ostracized from the Newcastle squad’s daily activities, as he is still permitted to train with the team.
Ashworth shared that Tonali will stay integrated with the team during his ban, acknowledging the importance of his sense of belonging for his mental well-being. The program includes occasional short returns to Italy but ensures that Tonali remains principally with the club. Ashworth also touched on Tonali’s human aspect, pointing out that everyone has moments of regret, and underscored the support and training plan tailored for him during this trying period.
While Ashworth refrained from commenting on the status of Tonali’s remuneration during his ban, he praised Tonali’s cooperative attitude since the incident.
With the January transfer window looming, Ashworth did not confirm if Newcastle intends to recruit a direct replacement for Tonali. Instead, he hinted at the depth of the team’s midfield and the potential for internal adjustments, including increased playtime for up-and-coming talents like Lewis Miley.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Sandro Tonali betting investigation
What is the FA investigating regarding Sandro Tonali?
The Football Association (FA) is investigating whether Sandro Tonali breached betting rules after his transfer from Milan to Newcastle United. The inquiry is to determine if he continued betting on football matches following his move, which is against the regulations.
Why was Sandro Tonali suspended by the Italian Football Federation?
Sandro Tonali was suspended for 10 months by the Italian Football Federation because he was found to have bet on matches involving his then-teams, Brescia and Milan. This kind of activity is prohibited for professional footballers.
Has Sandro Tonali played for Newcastle United since his transfer?
Yes, Sandro Tonali made 12 appearances for Newcastle United before his ban was implemented. He will be unable to participate in official matches until the start of the next season due to the worldwide enforcement of his ban.
What does Sandro Tonali’s plea bargain entail?
Sandro Tonali’s plea bargain includes a “therapeutic plan” aimed at aiding his recovery from gambling addiction. As part of this agreement, he is expected to make at least 16 public appearances in Italy to speak to young players about the dangers of gambling.
Can Sandro Tonali train with Newcastle United during his ban?
Yes, while Sandro Tonali is barred from playing matches, he is allowed to train with his Newcastle teammates. The club has emphasized the importance of keeping him connected to the team for his mental well-being.
Will Newcastle United look for a direct replacement for Sandro Tonali in the transfer window?
The club’s sporting director, Dan Ashworth, has not specified if a direct replacement will be sought. Instead, he highlighted the depth of the midfield and the flexibility of the players, suggesting that a direct replacement might not be necessary and that younger players may be given more playtime.
Are details of Sandro Tonali’s contract and wages during the ban public?
No, the specifics regarding Sandro Tonali’s contract situation, including any wage adjustments during his ban, are private and confidential. The club has not disclosed any changes or cuts to his remuneration.
More about Sandro Tonali betting investigation
- Sandro Tonali’s career and betting ban details
- FA’s rules on betting and player conduct
- Newcastle United’s official statement on Tonali
- The impact of gambling in sports
- Dan Ashworth’s comments on Tonali’s situation
- Milan’s response to Tonali’s betting charges
- Eddie Howe’s coaching perspective on player conduct
- Player support programs for gambling addiction
- Premier League transfer updates
- Developing talent and player opportunities at Newcastle
5 comments
this is such a tricky situation for Newcastle right, I mean they just got their hands on a player like Tonali and now this mess? gotta feel for them
tonali can train but not play, what kind of sense does that make? if he’s banned shouldnt it be all or nothing
not sure how this affects Newcastle’s tech and training programs. With the team but not really part of it? that’s gotta be tough for managing strategies and morale
heard about this plea bargain thing for Tonali, interesting way to deal with a ban. Instead of just sitting out he has to work on the issue, suppose thats one way to do it
so Milan sold Tonali and ‘forgot’ to mention the small matter of a betting ban, hmmmm sounds legit…