Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali has been given a 10-month suspension by FIFA, which will begin at a later date.
The 23-year-old Italian international has been found guilty of violating gambling regulations by the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) and has been banned from all football activities.
The FIGC announced the sanction on Wednesday, which includes a further eight months of rehabilitation, including therapy, and on Friday submitted a request to FIFA for the ban to be applied worldwide.
World football’s governing body confirmed on Friday night that the request had been granted and the ban was effective immediately.
Tonali featured in midweek’s Champions League defeat to Borussia Dortmund, and manager Eddie Howe said on Friday morning that Tonali would feature in Saturday’s game against Wolves while the club awaits formal approval. It’s very likely.”
However, the ban has been rubber-stamped, meaning Tonali will not be eligible for the swan song at Molineux.
Tonali, who joined Newcastle from AC Milan for 70 million euros in July, will be banned from appearing in any club or national team matches for the next 10 months.
Although gambling is not a crime in Italy as long as the bet is placed on an authorized platform, Article 24 of the FIGC’s Sports Judiciary Code prohibits betting, directly or indirectly, on events organized by the FIGC, FIFA or UEFA. It is prohibited to do or receive anything.
Mr. Tonali’s legal team confirmed last week that he met with prosecutors and is seeking a speedy resolution of the case with the FIGC confirming sanctions on Thursday.
Tonali’s representative said at an event in London earlier this month that his client had a “gambling disease”.
Tonali’s agent, Beppe Riso, said: “Sandro is a little upset about the situation.” “But he’s already started fighting back. Sandro is a fighter.
“The biggest fight against the disease has begun. Sandro is used to big games and usually wins. Sandro’s experience will save the lives of other children.”
Howe said Newcastle would “go out in arms” to give Tonali “love and support”.
Juventus midfielder Nicolo Fagioli and Aston Villa’s Nicolo Zaniolo are also being investigated as part of the same incident. Fagioli was given a seven-month ban from football after reaching an agreement with the FIGC.
Zaniolo was questioned along with Tonali during an international break at Italy’s Coverciano training base, but the player insisted he did not use the platform for sports betting.
(Photo: Getty Images)
