Newcastle coach Eddie Howe expressed confusion regarding the limitations of Sandro Tonali’s 10-month betting ban.
The 23-year-old Italian midfielder will be sidelined until August of next year after receiving a 10-month ban for placing bets on Brescia and Milan during his time at both clubs. He admitted the offences to the Turin Public Prosecutors and has started treatment for a gambling addiction.
The FIGC initially handed the 10-month ban to Tonali before it was later ratified by UEFA and FIFA, ruling the midfielder ineligible for Newcastle until August 2024. It comes as a bitter blow for the Magpies, who spent €70m on the 23-year-old just four months ago.
Speaking in a press conference via TMW ahead of Newcastle’s Champions League clash with Borussia Dortmund, Howe was asked about the status of Tonali following his ban.
“He didn’t travel with us here to Dortmund, but he trained this morning. We still don’t have clarity on how we should behave in the friendlies.”
Tonali’s ban means he will not be able to join Italy at the European Championship next summer, should they qualify for the tournament.