Newcastle confirm Sandro Tonali’s ban is effective from Friday, October 27, so the Italy international will return to competitive football on August 27, 2024.
Tonali has been banned for 18 months with eight commuted ‘as the player participates in a therapeutic plan and educational programme in Italy,’ Newcastle said on Saturday.
The Magpies have confirmed Tonali’s ban applied by the FIGC has been extended worldwide.
The Italian midfielder won’t be allowed to play competitive games for the next ten months.
“Sandro Tonali has been banned from competitive football for ten months, as effective from Friday, October 27 2023, following illegal betting charges by the Italian Football Federation (FIGC),” Newcastle said on Saturday.
“FIGC’s sanction includes an overall 18-month ban, with eight months commuted as the player participates in a therapeutic plan and educational programme in Italy consisting of 16 commitments.
“On the evening of Friday, October 27, Newcastle United received confirmation that FIFA has endorsed FIGC’s sanction to be applied worldwide, meaning Sandro will be eligible to return to competitive football from Tuesday, August 27 2024.”
The 23-year-old Italian midfielder had negotiated a plea bargain with the FIGC Prosecutor. Several sources in Italy claim the former Milan and Brescia star had admitted to gambling on his ex-clubs while under contract with them.
However, he allegedly always bet on Milan and Brescia to win, so he was not suspected of match-fixing.
Tonali has assisted authorities and sought help to treat his gambling addiction, so his lawyers managed to halve his ban, which, for breach of Article 24, could have been higher than three years.