Newcastle United and the Football Association are awaiting the conclusion of the Italian investigation into Sandro Tonali.
The FA has confirmed that Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali is still eligible to face Crystal Palace this weekend while the Italian inquiry is ongoing.
Tonali left the Italy squad on Thursday and returned to Tyneside following an investigation by the Turin Public Prosecutor’s Office into the alleged usage of illegal internet betting services.
Tonali’s agent, Giuseppe Riso, disclosed publicly that the 23-year-old is suffering from a gambling addiction. Tonali traveled back to Italy Monday to meet with prosecutors in Turin.
According to Sky Italia, Tonali faces a lengthy ban after allegedly confessing to betting on AC Milan games while under contract with the Serie A. He spent three years at the San Siro before joining Newcastle for a cost of £52 million in the summer.
Tonali is expected to be banned for a maximum of three years, which will be lowered to 12 months if he cooperates. Newcastle is yet to comment on the subject because they are awaiting an official response.
Tonali is still eligible to play in matches until then, according to the FA. On Saturday afternoon, United will face Palace in the Premier League.
“The FA say Sandro Tonali is still free to play for Newcastle on Saturday, but they will wait for the outcome of the Italian investigation before commenting further,” Craig Hope of the Daily Mail wrote on X. “If Tonali has a gambling addiction, there is the possibility he has placed bets under their jurisdiction.”
Tonali’s agent, Riso, stated at an Italian Embassy event in London on Tuesday, ahead to England’s Euro 2024 victory against Italy: “Sandro is playing his most important game – against betting addiction.” He’s shocked and sad.
“He must face this. He is now training. He is available to play on Saturday. He realizes he made a mistake and is shaken. But he recognizes that he must address the situation head on. Newcastle has always been important to him. He’s playing the most crucial game of his life, that of gambling addiction, and I’m confident he’ll win.
“Sandro is in shock, but he is continuing to train and may even be able to play on Saturday.” I’m hoping that this gambling addiction issue may help to save Sandro’s life, as well as the lives of many other young men who are struggling with the same issue.
Sandro understood that he has to focus on this issue and face gambling addiction with a strong, determined approach.”
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