Sandro Tonali charged with misconduct by English FA over breaches of betting rules

Newcastle United player Sandro Tonali, who is already serving a 10-month sentence in Italy for betting violations, has been charged with misconduct by the English Football Association for allegedly violating its own match gambling rules.

Newcastle United's Sandro Tonali has until April 5 to answer an English FA misconduct charge. AFP

Tonali, 23, was sanctioned by the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) last October for betting violations committed while playing for Serie A club AC Milan.

The English Football Association (FA) announced in a statement: “It’s alleged that the Newcastle United midfielder breached FA Rule E8 50 times by placing bets on football matches between 12 August 2023 and 12 October 2023.”

If Tonali is found guilty, he faces another lengthy suspension that will most likely keep him out till next year.

The fresh allegations stem from alleged breaches committed by Tonali following his €70 million move to Newcastle last July, which was the largest amount ever paid for an Italian player.

However, on October 12, Tonali was informed that he was under investigation by Italian authorities. He was suspended two weeks later, therefore ending his debut season at Newcastle after eight league matches.

Tonali was the most prominent player involved in a betting scandal that shook Italian football last year. He was fined €20,000 and given an 18-month ban, which was reduced after he agreed to participate in an eight-month “therapeutic plan” to assist with “recovery from gambling addiction”.

“Sandro continues to fully comply with relevant investigations and retains the club’s full support,” Newcastle stated in a statement on Thursday.

Sandro Tonali played only 12 games for Newcastle United following his move from AC Milan last July before being hit with a 10-month ban. AFP

Tonali’s absence has been felt strongly by Newcastle, who have struggled to recreate last season’s success, which saw them end a 20-year wait to return to Champions League football by placing fourth in the Premier League.

The Magpies are 10th in the Premier League rankings. On Saturday, they will host West Ham United.

Tonali’s current punishment means he will be unable to play again until August and will not represent defending champions Italy at Euro 2024.

Tonali was the second prominent player banned for betting on matches last year, following England star Ivan Toney.

Brentford’s striker received an eight-month ban and a £50,000 fine after admitting to 232 violations of the English FA’s betting regulations.

He returned to action in January and was called up to the England squad earlier this month, scoring in his international debut against Belgium on Tuesday.