Newcastle release statement on Sandro Tonali betting investigation
- Sandro Tonali under investigation for placing bets on football
- Midfielder could face ban of months or years
- Newcastle have released a statement on the situation
By Sean Walsh
Newcastle United have released a statement regarding an investigation into Sandro Tonali for betting on football.
The midfielder is being investigated by Italian authorities over bets he placed on matches during his time as an AC Milan player, including on games that he played in. He has admitted to prosecutors that he did indeed bet on Rossoneri matches but refutes claims that he was involved in those fixtures.
90min understands that Tonali could be banned from football for up to three years in line with FIFA regulations, but he is expected to receive a more lenient sentence after admitting his guilt and cooperating with investigators and prosecutors - Juventus' Nicolo Fagioli has been handed a seven-month suspension for similar offences.
Tonali's current club, Newcastle, released a statement on Wednesday confirming prosecutors' investigation into his betting activity.
"Newcastle United can confirm that Sandro Tonali is subject to investigation by the Italian Prosecutor's Office and Italian Football Federation (FIGC) in relation to illegal betting activity," the statement read.
"Sandro is fully engaging with the investigation and will continue to cooperate with all relevant authorities.
"He and his family will continue to receive the club's full support.
"Due to this ongoing process, Sandro and Newcastle United are unable to offer further comment at this time."
Gabriele Gravina, the head of the Italian Football Federation, revealed her sympathy and empathy for Tonali for Fagioli on Tuesday.
"As a human being I feel for the two players, they are like children to me. We should not condemn these young boys. Gambling addiction is not a football problem, it’s a social plague. I assure you that whoever is asking for help we will help." she said.
"Whoever made a mistake will be punished and helped in a healing and recovery project. We need to put these people on a path to recovery. We have to make sure these children can come back. We will not abandon these boys. Ever."
Tonali's agent, Giuseppe Riso, added that the Italy international has a gambling addiction.
"We are very happy about Gravina's comments. The federation is standing by Sandro," Riso said. "He is playing his most important game - against betting addiction. He's in shock, he's very sad."
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