Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali’s 10-month ban has been confirmed by FIFA and his suspension now begins.
The 23-year-old Italy international has been banned from all football activities after being found guilty of breaching gambling rules by the Italian Football Federation (FIGC).
The FIGC announced the sanction – which includes a further eight months of rehabilitation including therapy – on Wednesday and submitted a request to FIFA on Friday to apply the ban globally.
Football’s world governing body confirmed to The Athletic on Friday evening that this request had been granted and that the ban was effective immediately.
Tonali played in the midweek Champions League defeat to Borussia Dortmund and coach Eddie Howe had said on Friday morning that there was a “strong chance” he could play against Wolves on Saturday, as the club awaited official confirmation was waiting.
But the ban has now been approved, meaning Tonali is not entitled to a swan song at Molineux.
Tonali, who moved from AC Milan to Newcastle in July for 70 million euros, is no longer allowed to play for his club or national team during this ten-month period.
Gambling is not a crime in Italy as long as bets are placed on recognized platforms. However, Article 24 of the FIGC Sports Law Law prohibits placing or accepting bets, directly or indirectly, on events organized by the FIGC, FIFA and UEFA.
Tonali’s legal team confirmed last week that he had met with prosecutors and that they were seeking a quick resolution to the case, with the FIGC confirming the sanctions on Thursday.
Tonali’s agent told an event in London earlier this month that his client had suffered from a “gambling disease”.
“Sandro is a bit shaken by the situation,” said Tonali’s representative Beppe Riso. “But he has already started to fight back. Sandro is a fighter.
“The greatest game has begun against an illness. Sandro is used to big games and he usually wins them. Sandro’s experience will save the lives of other children.”
Howe had said Newcastle would “wrap our arms around” Tonali to give him “love and support”.
Juventus midfielder Nicolo Fagioli and Aston Villa’s Nicolo Zaniolo were also investigated in the same case. Fagioli received a seven-month football ban following an agreement with the FIGC.
Zaniolo was questioned alongside Tonali at Italy’s Coverciano training camp during the international break but claimed he had not used the platforms for sports betting.
(Photo: Getty Images)