Newcastle’s Sandro Tonali to miss rest of season and Euro 2024 after 10-month ban for betting breaches

Newcastle United’s midfielder, Sandro Tonali, has been handed a 10-month ban for multiple breaches of gambling rules, according to the head of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC). His admission of betting on games involving his former clubs, Brescia and AC Milan, could have resulted in a maximum three-year ban. However, Tonali’s cooperation with the investigation and guilty plea led to a reduced punishment.

Tonali, who signed for Newcastle for a reported fee of £53 million in July, will now miss the remainder of the season and Euro 2024, assuming Italy qualifies. The 23-year-old will also be absent for the initial weeks of the next campaign.

Despite the lengthy ban, Tonali will be permitted to continue training with Newcastle, providing some consolation to manager Eddie Howe. The decision aligns with Howe’s preference for Tonali to spend more time living in England to aid his acclimatization.

Although Tonali has been taking English lessons, he still struggles with the language. Newcastle believes it would be detrimental for him to move away during his ban, particularly after a difficult start to his time at the club.

During his ban, Tonali must also complete an eight-month rehabilitation course. Newcastle is currently considering the appropriate legal action, if any, to take in response to the situation. The club reportedly doesn’t believe AC Milan was aware of Tonali’s gambling problem when they signed him, as they conducted a thorough investigation prior to his transfer.

While Newcastle may opt not to withhold wages, Tonali could be asked to take a pay cut due to his inability to play for several months.

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