Sandro Tonali: Newcastle midfielder charged with alleged breaches of FA betting rules

Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali has been charged with misconduct for further alleged betting offences by the Football Association (FA).

The Italy international, 23, is already midway through a 10 month ban, imposed in October, after being found guilty of breaching rules on gambling by the Italian Football Federation (FIGC).

The ban also includes a further eight months rehabilitation, including therapy as well as 16 public appearances in Italy at amateur clubs, federal training centres and addiction charities.

However, with that suspension covering bets laid while under the jurisdiction of the Italian FA, the English FA’s charge covers alleged gambling since he joined Newcastle from AC Milan in a €70million (£59.8m, $75.6m) transfer in July.

An FA statement on Thursday read: “Sandro Tonali has been charged with misconduct in relation to alleged breaches of The FA’s Betting Rules.

“It’s alleged that the Newcastle United midfielder breached FA Rule E8 50 times by placing bets on football matches between 12 August 2023 and 12 October 2023.

“Sandro Tonali has until 5 April 2024 to respond.”

Tonali is already serving a gambling ban (Stu Forster/Getty Images)

Speaking in October, Tonali’s agent Beppe Riso stated at an event in London that his client had been suffering from a “gambling illness”.

Tonali is already prohibited from playing in any matches for either Newcastle or his national team until his initial ban expires in August. He has been allowed to train with Newcastle throughout the suspension, unlike Brentford striker’s Ivan Toney’s case.

There is no indication which games the FA charge relates to, including whether Tonali laid bets on matches he was involved in.

In response to the FA charge, Newcastle stated: “Newcastle United acknowledges a misconduct charge received by Sandro Tonali in respect of alleged breaches of FA Betting Rules.

“Sandro continues to fully comply with relevant investigations and he retains the club’s full support.

“Due to this ongoing process, Sandro and Newcastle United are unable to offer further comment at this time.”

GO DEEPER

Sandro Tonali: The ban, the fallout, the Newcastle-Milan meal and what’s next

(Joe Prior/Visionhaus via Getty Images)