Newcastle United have confirmed Sandro Tonali has been banned for ten months for betting on football matches and that he'll be available to return to competitive action on Tuesday 27 August, 2024.
The 23-year-old was found guilty of betting offences from his time at AC Milan, with his agent subsequently confirming that Tonali is suffering from a gambling addiction.
The scandal has rocked Italian football, with Juventus' Nicolo Fagioli also banned for seven months and Aston Villa's Nicolo Zaniolo also under investigation.
News broke on Friday that Tonali's punishment would be a worldwide football ban, and a Newcastle club statement has confirmed the punishment and measures that will be put in place to help Tonali overcome his addiction.
"Sandro Tonali has been banned from competitive football for ten months, as effective from Friday, 27th October 2023, following illegal betting charges by the Italian Football Federation (FIGC)," the statement began.
"FIGC's sanction includes an overall 18-month ban, with eight months commuted as the player participates in a therapeutic plan and educational programme in Italy consisting of 16 commitments.
"On the evening of Friday, 27th October, Newcastle United received confirmation that FIFA has endorsed FIGC's sanction to be applied worldwide, meaning Sandro will be eligible to return to competitive football from Tuesday, 27th August 2024."
More to follow.
This article was originally published on 90min as Newcastle confirm Sandro Tonali ban and competitive return date.
