La Gazzetta dello Sport reports that Sandro Tonali’s lawyers will be in Rome on Monday to negotiate a plea bargain for the Newcastle midfielder who could be banned for over a year.
The Italy star has reportedly admitted to gambling on football matches, including those of his ex-club Milan while under contract with the Rossoneri. However, Tonali said he only bet on Milan to win, so he is not suspected of match-fixing.
Tonali self-reported and was heard by the FIGC Prosecutor last week. He has also sought help to treat his gambling addiction.
It is the same defence strategy adopted by Nicolò Fagioli who has been banned for seven months after agreeing to a plea bargain with the FIGC Prosecutor.
However, Tonali’s situation is slightly different as Fagioli reported himself to FIGC as soon as the Turin Prosecutor put him under investigation earlier this year. Moreover, the Juventus midfielder hasn’t bet on the Bianconeri.
Breach of Article 24 leads to a suspension of at least four years but Tonali, like Fagioli, aims to – at least- halve the ban’s length.
Tonali’s lawyers will reportedly discuss the length of the midfielder’s suspension during a hearing with the FIGC Prosecutor in Rome on Monday. Previous reports had claimed Tonali could be banned for a year.
According to Gazzetta, Tonali and Newcastle could learn the ban’s length at the beginning of next week.