Staff Reporter.
File Photo.
Newcastle United and Italy midfielder Sandro Tonali has been banned for 10 months by the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) for breaching betting rules.
Tonali, who joined Newcastle United from AC Milan this year, must also attend treatment sessions for problem gamblers and give a series of talks about his experience over a further eight-month period as part of an agreement with the FIGC.
He had been assisting the investigation and his legal team have been working on a plea bargain after he admitted to making bets on AC Milan to win games in a hearing at the Italian Federation in Turin.
Without his cooperation, Tonali could have faced up to a three-year suspension under FIFA rules.
A 10-month ban would see Tonali miss the rest of the Premier League season and Euro 2024, should Italy qualify. He will not be available for action until August 2024.
Tonali will also spend eight months in rehab undertaking recovery work which includes 16 visits to Italy over the course of eight months.
The player must pay a €20,000 fine but is free to train with Newcastle and play in friendlies.