Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali, who has been embroiled in controversy, has been banned from football for ten months and will then undergo a rehabilitation program for eight months.
“Previously, the midfielder faced allegations of involvement in a betting scandal, which contravened both the club and game regulations. In response to these accusations, Tonali admitted to the misconduct. It was revealed that the former Milan player not only engaged in betting but also placed bets on his former team, AC Milan.
Gabriele Gravina, the President of the Italian Football Federation (FiGC), has now announced that Sandro Tonali will face a 10-month ban, followed by an additional eight months of rehabilitation.
“The FIGC Prosecutor and Tonali have reached an agreement, which I have already approved.”
“The agreement consists of a 10-month ban plus eight months of rehab activities and at least 16 public appearances.”
“Rules provide a ban for a few years, but there can be a plea agreement and attenuating circumstances,” continued Gravina.
“The guys collaborated above and beyond expectations, so we will continue to follow the rules we had adopted.”
remember that Juventus midfielder Nicolò Fagioli was also implicated in the identical scandal, initially confronting a one-year suspension. However, his penalty was subsequently reduced to seven months. This reduction was granted as a result of Fagioli’s proactive approach to addressing his gambling addiction. He committed to treatment and undertook at least 10 public initiatives to discourage others from following a similar course.
Fagioli had voluntarily reported his circumstances to the authorities before any investigation and did not engage in betting on his team, which factored into the reduction of his suspension.
Additionally, Tonali has initiated efforts to confront his gambling addiction. The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) is expected to issue an official statement regarding Tonali’s suspension later today.