The FA have announced that Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali has been charged with breaking their betting rules earlier this season. The ex-AC Milan star has not featured for the Magpies since late October after being hit with a 10-month ban by the Italian Football Federation relating to bets he placed prior to joining the club, which was extended to a worldwide ban by FIFA.
Tonali joined Newcastle during the summer transfer window but has made just 12 appearances in all competitions since joining the club. The 23-year-old is currently suspended until 27 August later this year due to betting charges he is facing from his time in the Serie A.
However, the midfielder is now set to see if he will face further punishment from the FA after an investigation has seen him face fresh charges relating to bets placed earlier this season.
The FA announced on Thursday that Tonali had been charged with breaching their betting rules 50 times earlier this season, with their statement reading: “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 August 12, 2023 and October 12, 2023. Sandro Tonali has until April 5, 2024 to respond.”
Newcastle have also addressed the fresh charges, explaining that their No. 8 will continue to comply with the investigation. Their statement read: “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.”
Tonali’s agent, Guiseppe Riso, revealed in October that his client was battling a gambling addiction and is taking steps towards trying to overcome the issue. He explained: “Sandro is playing his most important game – against betting addiction. He’s in shock, very sad. He has to face this… He knows he made a mistake and is quite shaken. But he understands that he must face the matter with determination.
“Newcastle have always been close to him. He is playing the most important game of his career, that of gambling addiction, but I am sure he will win it.”
