FIGC revealed shocking news about Italian star and Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali. Here’s why Tonali is expecting a 10-month ban from football.
Sandro Tonali will be barred from any football activities for at least 10 months
The Italian FA just recently announced that star midfielder Sandro Tonali is temporarily banned from football and any activities related to the sport. Earlier this month, Tonali left his team due to an ongoing investigation regarding his alleged illegal gambling avtivity. A few days later, the Italian Football Federation concluded that Sandro Tonali is guilty of breaching the universal rule that current players are not allowed to place bets on games sanctioned by FIFA, UEFA, and the FIGC. In the same month, another midfielder, Juventus’ Fagioli also received a seven-month ban with the same betting case.
FIGC President Gabriele Gravina revealed that both the governing body and Tonali reached an agreement and that the 23-year-old midfielder has “collaborated unbelievably” during the investigation. After Sandro Tonali was found guilty of illegal betting, the rising star will banned from football for 10 months. Moreover, he’ll be put in rehabilitation for 8 months to help him recover from his gambling addiction. Tonali is also handed a fine of €20,000.
“An agreement has already been reached between the Federal Prosecutor’s Office and Sandro Tonali, which occurred before the referral, therefore it must be endorsed by the undersigned, which I have already done. A plea bargain is envisaged for 18 months of which 8 months is activity recovery, some concerns therapeutic activity and at least 16 face-to-face meetings as testimony.”, Gravina announced to the media.
This means that Sandro Tonali is definitely out for the rest of the season
He is also most likely going to miss UEFA Euro 2024, which will take place on June 14 to July 14 and will be hosted by Germany. That is if the reigning champs, Italy, qualifies. In Euro 2020, the world saw the return of Italy as the UEFA champions, capturing their second title.
The Italian footballer had just recently transferred to New Castle from AC Milan back in July. He signed a €70 million ($76.28m) deal, including incentives and bonuses.
Who’s going to replace Sandro Tonali?
Right now, Newcastle hasn’t made any move yet. Team manager Eddie Howe said that they haven’t planned on who’s going to replace Tonali this season.
However, football fans are already throwing the names of Kalvin Phillips (Manchester City), Andrey Santos (Chelsea), Ruben Neves (Al-Hilal), and Andre (Fluminense) as possible replacements.