FIFA Extends Sandro Tonali’s 10-Month Ban Worldwide

FIFA’s worldwide extension of Sandro Tonali’s 10-month ban for engaging in illegal gambling has been confirmed for the Newcastle United player.

On Thursday, it was revealed that Sandro Tonali would be suspended following his inclusion earlier this month in an investigation into claims of illicit betting by the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) and Italian prosecutors.

An announcement from the Italian FA verified that the Federal Prosecutor’s Office and Tonali had come to a consensus regarding an 18-month ban.

The punishment will be a 10-month football ban, with the remaining eight months spent in some sort of “therapeutic plan” to aid in his “recovery from gambling addiction.”

This will entail making at least sixteen public appearances in Italy at “federal territorial centres” and amateur sports associations.

In addition, Tonali was fined £17,380 for violating FIGC regulations that forbade players from wagering on football matches that were overseen by FIFA, UEFA, and FIGC.

Howe complimented Tonali, an Italian international who played in this week’s Champions League match against Borussia Dortmund, for his self-handling since it became known that the £52 million summer signing was the subject of an investigation.

“I think you saw from the Dortmund game he came on and did really well. He was bright. That’s how he’s trained,” Howe said.

“From the moment this happened I think his training performances have been very good. That’s the only way I can judge it. His mood is the same, he’s good around the group, and good around the training ground.

“It is there in the background and I’m sure when he goes home there are difficult times for him. From what I can see he’s handling himself in the right way.”

Tonali will not be eligible to play in the Euros even if Italy wins; however, he is anticipated to be permitted to participate in training and games played behind closed doors in Newcastle.