Newcastle’s Rising Star Tonali in Betting Scandal Probe

Newcastle has officially confirmed that midfielder Sandro Tonali is currently under investigation by both the Italian Prosecutor’s Office and the Italian Football Federation due to alleged violations of betting regulations.

The 23-year-old Italian international was withdrawn from the national squad just prior to their Euro 2024 qualifying match against England at Wembley on Tuesday evening. The club has issued a statement, stating that he is fully cooperating with the ongoing inquiry.

Newcastle United made the following announcement: “We can confirm that Sandro Tonali is currently under investigation by the Italian Prosecutor’s Office and the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) concerning suspected illegal betting activities. Sandro is actively participating in the investigation and will continue to collaborate with all relevant authorities. Both he and his family will receive the club’s unwavering support. Regrettably, due to the ongoing investigation, neither Sandro nor Newcastle United can provide further comments at this time.”

Tonali was among the players implicated in an Italian football betting inquiry the previous week, and it has been reported that he confessed during a hearing on Tuesday to placing bets on matches involving his former club, AC Milan.

Furthermore, Juventus midfielder Nicolo Fagioli has already been handed a seven-month suspension by the FIGC for breaching betting rules. Fagioli’s one-year ban had five months suspended, and he was fined €12,500 ($13,221). He has also agreed to undertake a therapy plan for a minimum of six months to address his gambling issues, as announced by the FIGC.

Tonali, who boasts 15 senior caps for Italy, was acquired by Newcastle from Milan in July and has since made seven appearances in the Premier League.