Sandro Tonali banned for ten months over betting breaches
- Newcastle midfielder Tonali has accepted charges of betting on AC Milan while he was employed by the Italian side
- Italy international's ban will see him miss Euro 2024 as well
- Tonali joined Newcastle for £55m this summer
By Tom Gott
FIGC president Gabriele Gravina has confirmed that an agreement has been reached to suspend Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali for ten months over his betting breaches.
As part of the investigation which also saw Juventus midfielder Nicolo Fagioli suspended for seven months, Tonali confessed to placing bets on AC Milan during his time at the club, as well as on other football matches.
Importantly, his bets were always on Milan to win games, and so he was not investigated for match fixing.
Having worked with the authorities after being charged, Tonali has avoided the maximum punishment but will still serve a ten-month ban from competitive action.
"The FIGC Prosecutor and Tonali have reached an agreement which I have already approved," Gravina told the press.
"The agreement consists of a ten-month ban plus eight months of rehab activities and at least 16 public appearances."
Gravina also confirmed that Tonali's co-operation helped him avoid the harshest punishment of a three-year suspension.
"Rules provide a ban for a few years, but there can be a plea agreement and attenuating circumstances," continued Gravina.
"The guys collaborated above and beyond expectations, so we will continue to follow the rules we had adopted."
A ten-month suspension will see Tonali banned until August 2024, meaning he will not play again for Newcastle this season and will also miss Euro 2024 with Italy.
Tonali is expected to be able to train with Newcastle during his ban and can feature in friendlies for Eddie Howe's side.
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