The Football Association (FA) has charged Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali with misconduct over purported violations of betting regulations.
The 23-year-old is presently serving a 10-month suspension imposed by the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) in October for violating betting regulations in Italy.
Tonali made the move to Newcastle from AC Milan in July for a fee of £55 million.
The FA accuses Tonali of contravening its regulations by placing 50 bets on matches between 12 August and 12 October 2023.
Tonali was sanctioned by the FIGC for betting on matches involving his former clubs Brescia and Milan. FIFA subsequently approved the Italian federation’s request to extend the ban globally.
The FA charges pertain to separate allegations concerning Tonali’s conduct during his tenure as a Newcastle player.
“Newcastle United acknowledges a misconduct charge received by Sandro Tonali in respect of alleged breaches of FA Betting Rules,” the club said on Thursday.
“Sandro continues to fully comply with relevant investigations and he retains the club’s full support.”
His current ban means Tonali is not eligible to play again until August and will not feature at Euro 2024.
The Italy international, who was fined 20,000 euros (£17,380), was initially given an 18-month ban which was reduced after he agreed to take part in an eight-month “therapeutic plan” to help “recovery from gambling addiction”.
This will involve Tonali fulfilling a minimum of 16 public engagements in Italy, where he will be tasked with addressing young players about the risks associated with gambling.
Despite being prohibited from participating in matches, Tonali is permitted to train alongside his Newcastle teammates throughout his suspension.
Tonali has until 5 April to respond to the charges brought forth by the FA. Prior to his ban, he had made just 12 appearances for Eddie Howe’s squad.
In a similar case last year, Brentford striker Ivan Toney received an eight-month suspension for 232 breaches of the FA’s betting regulations. He made his return in January.
Paul Merson, a former England and Arsenal midfielder who has acknowledged being a “compulsive gambler” during his playing days, described the bans imposed on Tonali and Toney as a “disgrace.”