Sandro Tonali hit with fresh FA ban over betting breaches

Sandro Tonali has been given an additional suspended two-month ban by the Football Association over his gambling breaches.

The Newcastle United midfielder, who is already serving a ten-month ban for breaking betting rules while still in Italy, was then also charged by the FA earlier this year after self-reporting fresh breaches of the organisation's gambling regulations since moving to England.

As a result, Tonali has been issued a suspended two-month ban and a £20,000 fine. The ban is suspended for the entire 2024/25 season which means that, assuming he breaks no more rules, Tonali will be free to return to competitive action once his initial ten-month ban expires.

"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," a Newcastle statement confirmed. "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's existing ten-month ban will end on 27 August 2024, which rules him out of this summer's European Championship.

That date comes just ten days after the start of the 2024/25 Premier League season, meaning Tonali is likely to miss just two matches of the coming campaign before being permitted to return to competitive action.

Assuming he avoids the extra two months on the sidelines, it means Tonali is just six games away from making his comeback.

Tonali has been training with Newcastle throughout his suspension, so fitness may not be a problem for the 23-year-old.

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