Sandro Tonali has escaped an extension to his global 10-month betting ban after admitting gambling on Newcastle matches following his move to the Premier League.
The midfielder has been given a suspended two-month ban and fined £20,000 by an independent FA regulatory commission, meaning he remains free to return on August 27 when the ban for betting on matches in Italy expires.
Tonali voluntarily provided information on bets placed following last summer’s £52million transfer to Newcastle from AC Milan, which included 50 on football and four on the Magpies to win matches.
He placed an accumulator when Newcastle played Brighton or Burnley, and also against Brentford and West Ham. He had a single bet during the 1-0 win over Manchester City in the Carabao Cup, a match in which he played. He said the value of each bet did not exceed £8,500. The total of all bets was ‘well in excess’ of £100,000.
Tonali, 23, was praised for his assistance in the FA investigation, while it was revealed he has taken a substantial voluntary reduction in salary since his original ban was imposed.
Sandro Tonali will be free to play from August 27, as per his initial betting ban from last year
The Italian was hit with a 10-month worldwide ban by the Italian FA last year for illegal betting
In March, Tonali was charged with 50 new breaches by the FA but was handed a suspended two-month sentence
News of him avoiding a further suspension will be a relief to the player and his club, who have stood by the Italy international.
A Newcastle statement read: ‘As acknowledged by the FA in the independent regulatory commission’s written reasons, the level of assistance Sandro has provided by self-referring and fully cooperating with a subsequent investigation is extraordinary and unprecedented.
‘Sandro made full admissions as to his betting activity, and did so in circumstances where there was no other evidence to support misconduct proceedings.
‘Sandro is continuing to follow a therapeutic plan and educational programme with the club’s full support and will continue to train with his teammates.’
Tonali will miss Euro 2024 with Italy and the opening games of next season due to his ban
But he has been allowed to train with his team-mates and has been supported by his club
The player was given his worldwide ban by Italian authorities in October. It was part of a betting scandal in the country involving 40 players.
Juventus midfielder Nicolo Fagioli was also banned for seven months for illegal betting having reached a plea bargain with prosecutors.
Tonali has made just 12 appearances for Newcastle but has continued to train with his team-mates during his ban. He is not allowed to play in friendly matches and the first time he will appear in public is set to be the third week of the new Premier League season.
