Newcastle confirm Sandro Tonali is ‘subject to investigation’ by the FIGC Prosecutor and will ‘continue to cooperate with all relevant authorities.’
Tonali is among those under investigation in a betting scandal in Italy.
It has emerged that the 23-year-old had gambled on Milan games while under contract with the Rossoneri.
He had been heard by the Turin and FIGC Prosecutors on Tuesday and today, Wednesday, October 18, 2023, Newcastle released their first official comment on the issue.
“Newcastle United can confirm that Sandro Tonali is subject to investigation by the Italian Prosecutor’s Office and Italian Football Federation (FIGC) in relation to illegal betting activity,” the Magpies said.
“Sandro is fully engaging with the investigation and will continue to cooperate with all relevant authorities.
“He and his family will continue to receive the club’s full support. Due to this ongoing process, Sandro and Newcastle United are unable to offer further comment at this time.”
Tonali’s agent Beppe Riso had thanked Newcastle for supporting his client adding that the ex-Milan midfielder could be involved in the next Premier League match against Crystal Palace on Saturday.
Tonali risks a ban of at least three years, but his collaboration with authorities means he could be offered a plea bargain and halve an inevitable suspension. Several Italian sources claim Tonali could be banned for one year, but the outcome of the investigation is still unclear.
Tonali was formally put under investigation last week when Italian Police interrogated him and his compatriot Nicolò Zaniolo at Coverciano, seizing their mobile phones and tablets.
Tonali and Zaniolo immediately returned to England and didn’t play for the national team during the October break.