26 October 2023 , 11:07
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Sandro Tonali has been banned from football for 10 months after breaking betting rules.
The Newcastle midfielder, 23, will not play again until next season - ending his Premier League campaign and ruling him out of Euro 2024. The decision comes after Tonali's agent admitted his client has a gambling problem - a battle he "will win".
Tonali must also complete eight months of rehab and make several public appearances in Italy. It's believed he will have his £11million annual salary suspended - allowing Newcastle to sign a replacement - but will be able to train and play in friendlies.
Tonali's lawyers travelled to Rome to enter a plea bargain after he confessed to gambling on games, including those involving former club AC Milan. The Italian's ban is a huge blow for Newcastle, who spent £54m to sign him during the summer transfer window.
The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) launched a probe into breaches of their betting rules, with Tonali and several other footballers involved. Juventus midfielder Nicolo Fagioli has received a seven-month ban, with a further five months suspended.
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Aston Villa's Nicolo Zaniolo is also sweating on the outcome of the investigation but is expected to receive a fine rather than a ban. He will discover his fate shortly.
FICG president Gabriele Gravina confirmed the news on Thursday. As quoted by Sky in Italy, he said: "The FIGC Prosecutor and Tonali have reached an agreement which I have already approved. The agreement consists of a 10-month ban plus eight months of rehab activities and at least 16 public appearances."
Eddie Howe will try to sign a replacement for Tonali in January (Getty Images)What's your thoughts on Sandro Tonali's ban? Let us know in the comments below!
Gravina added: "Rules provide a ban for a few years, but there can be a plea agreement and attenuating circumstances. The guys collaborated above and beyond expectations, so we will continue to follow the rules we had adopted."
Newcastle are yet to comment on Tonali's suspension but have drawn up a four-man shortlist to replace him. Kalvin Phillips of Manchester City, Amadou Onana of Everton, Joao Palhinha of Fulham and Scott McTominay of Manchester United are their targets.
Tonali's agent Guiseppe Riso faced the music after the allegations emerged. He told reporters: "Sandro is playing his most important game - against betting addiction."
Riso added: "He's in shock, very sad. He has to face this. He knows he made a mistake and is quite shaken. But he understands that he must face the matter with determination. Newcastle have always been close to him. He is playing the most important game of his career, that of gambling addiction, but I am sure he will win it."