Newcastle's Sandro Tonali sidelined for season amid betting scandal
Posted : 28 October 2023
Newcastle's midfield maestro, Sandro Tonali, will be absent from both club and international duties for the remainder of the season. This disheartening news follows Fifa's endorsement of a 10-month suspension imposed by Italian authorities due to a breach of betting regulations. The Italian Football Federation disclosed the suspension, signaling a somber Thursday for the 23-year-old player who had been under investigation.
Eddie Howe, the manager of Newcastle, had initially harbored hopes of including Tonali in the lineup for their upcoming Premier League showdown against Wolves. The club had yet to receive official communication regarding the ban, but fate took an unexpected turn. Fifa has now validated the request made by the Italian federation to extend the sanctions globally, casting a shadow over Tonali's future prospects.
The player's agent divulged that Sandro Tonali, a summer signing from AC Milan for a substantial fee of approximately £55 million ($67 million), is grappling with a gambling addiction. Reflecting on the situation, Howe, whose team has been making waves in the Premier League, noted that foresight is a luxury they couldn't afford when making the signing. The disappointment looms large as they grapple with the reality of losing a talented player for an extended period.
The ramifications of Tonali's ban extend beyond the club scene. If Italy secures qualification for the European Championship in Germany next year, they will have to defend their title without the services of the talented midfielder. Notably, this setback isn't isolated, as other Italian football figures, including Nicolo Zaniolo and Nicolo Fagioli, have also faced penalties for breaching betting rules. It's a challenging time for both Tonali and Newcastle, as they navigate these unforeseen obstacles on the road ahead.
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