Sandro Tonali handed ten-month football ban that rules £55m Newcastle transfer out for the season and Euro 2024
Newcastle star Sandro Tonali has been banned for ten months from football for his involvement in illegal betting.
The 23-year-old made his last appearance of the season in a 1-0 defeat to Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday night, just hours before he was banned.
Tonali's lengthy suspension comes after he admitted to placing bets on matches in which he played during his time in Italy.
Italian football federation [FIGC] president Gabriele Gravina said: «The FIGC Prosecutor and Tonali have reached an agreement which I have already approved. The agreement consists of a 10-month ban plus eight months of rehab activities and at least 16 public appearances.”
It means the £55million summer signing from AC Milan will miss the remainder of the 2023/24 season and, should Italy reach Euro 2024, will miss next summer's tournament in Germany.
Tonali's representatives reportedly spent Monday in discussions with prosecutors, who launched an investigation while he was away on international duty earlier this month.
He and compatriot Nicolo Zaniolo, currently on loan at Aston Villa from Galatasaray, were subject to a probe by the Italian Prosecutor's Office and Italian Football Federation (FIGC).
Tonali's agent Giuseppe Riso had claimed the player was living with a 'gambling addiction'.
The midfielder is accused of placing bets on AC Milan and former club Brescia during his time with them.
He has made 12 appearances to date for Newcastle, including a start in the 4-1 Champions League victory over Paris Saint-Germain earlier this month.
Tonali will still be allowed to train with Newcastle during his ten-month betting ban, talkSPORT understands.
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