New Investigation into Sandro Tonali’s Alleged Involvement in Illegal Gambling Practices
A new investigation has been launched into Sandro Tonali’s alleged involvement in illegal gambling practices, according to reports in Italy. The Newcastle United midfielder is at the centre of fresh betting allegations, along with 12 other players, including high-profile current and former Serie A stars.
Tonali was previously banned from playing football for 10 months after breaching the Italian Football Federation’s betting rules. He was also handed a suspended two-month ban by the Football Association and fined £17,380. The 24-year-old was subsequently put on “a therapeutic plan” to help “recovery from gambling addiction”, as reported by the Mirror.
The new investigation, led by Milan prosecutors, involves allegations of poker games and betting on non-football sporting events on banned gambling platforms. The probe follows the analysis of Tonali’s electronic device and that of Fiorentina player Nicolo Fagioli, who also previously served a betting ban. Five people were placed under house arrest on Friday morning for “illegal gambling activities and money laundering”, with £1.3m seized from a jewellery store in Milan, which prosecutors believe to be the base of the illegal operation.
The Mirror has contacted Newcastle United for comment on Tonali, but the club has not yet responded. Tonali previously admitted breaching FA betting rules back in May 2024 by putting on bets totalling “well in excess of 100,000 euros” (£85,600). He put on four bets, all of which included Newcastle to win, between September and October 2023.
The regulatory commission noted that the charges had a “profound effect” on Tonali and “is something he does not want to experience again”. When he returned to playing in August, Newcastle boss Eddie Howe explained how the club had supported him. “Generally, it was a feeling of just being worried about the person, genuinely,” he said. “You know the player is facing this moment, that is not easy for any person, so it was really just to help him and protect him.”
Tonali has been a regular for Newcastle this season, with four goals and two assists in 37 games across all competitions. He was part of the side which beat Liverpool 2-1 in the Carabao Cup final in March to secure the club’s first domestic silverware since 1955. The Mirror will continue to provide updates on this developing story.
As this investigation unfolds, Tonali’s future at Newcastle United may come under scrutiny. The midfielder’s performances on the pitch have been a bright spot for the club this season, but his alleged involvement in illegal gambling practices raises serious questions about his conduct off the pitch. The Mirror will be keeping a close eye on developments and providing updates as more information becomes available.
In related news, former Newcastle United manager Sam Allardyce has spoken out about his health aged 70 and made a return to management admission. Additionally, Arne Slot’s dream Liverpool XI next season has been revealed, with three signings after Mo Salah’s new deal. The Mirror will continue to provide the latest news and updates from the world of football.
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