Newcastle United have confirmed that midfielder Sandro Tonali is under investigation by Italian prosecutors in relation to illegal betting activity.
Tonali and Aston Villa’s Nicolo Zaniolo were two players named in an Italian football betting probe last week and subsequently withdrew from this month’s national team squad ahead of Euro 2024 qualifiers against Malta and England.
The first player named in the betting probe was Juventus midfielder Nicolo Fagioli, who will serve a seven-month ban from football and has been fined €12,500 (£10,848) following a court hearing in Turin on Tuesday, confirmed by the Italian Football Federation (FIGC).
After being questioned by police last Friday, Tonali briefly returned to Newcastle on Monday and trained at the club, before travelling back to Italy to attend a hearing at the prosecutor’s office at the Court of Turin on Tuesday afternoon.
Tonali is understood to have admitted to betting on football matches, both in which he played and did not play, for his former club AC Milan to win during his time at the Serie A side.
Tonali is therefore at risk of a suspension of up to three years from worldwide football, although the midfielder is likely to receive a lesser ban after admitting his guilt and for fully cooperating with the investigation.
Newcastle have since released a statement confirming the investigation into Tonali’s betting activity, and will offer their full support to the midfielder and his family.
The statement released on Newcastle’s official website read: “Newcastle United can confirm that Sandro Tonali is subject to investigation by the Italian Prosecutor’s Office and Italian Football Federation (FIGC) in relation to illegal betting activity.
“Sandro is fully engaging with the investigation and will continue to cooperate with all relevant authorities.
“He and his family will continue to receive the club’s full support.
“Due to this ongoing process, Sandro and Newcastle United are unable to offer further comment at this time.”
Tonali’s agent Giuseppe Riso confirmed on Tuesday that Tonali is battling with a gambling addiction and has been left “shaken” and “very sad” by the ongoing investigation; the midfielder is also said to be seeing a therapist to treat his addiction.
Newcastle have not confirmed whether Tonali is available to represent the club in Saturday’s Premier League home game against Crystal Palace amid the investigation, but the midfielder’s agent has claimed that he “can play” for the Magpies.
Tonali, a 15-cap Italy international, joined Newcastle from AC Milan for around £55m in the summer and has quickly established himself as a first-team regular under manager Eddie Howe.
The midfielder, who scored on his Premier League debut against Aston Villa in August, has made a total of 10 appearances for the Magpies in all competitions this season.
