Sandro Tonali expects 10-month ban for betting with Milan

Sandro Tonali will face a ban for betting on games while he was a player at AC Milan. However, the length of the ban is not certain. Other gambling offenses vary in the severity of the suspension. For example, Ivan Toney picked up an eight-month ban at the end of the 2022/23 season that expires at the start of 2024. However, Tonali’s compatriot with Italy, Nicolo Fagioli, picked up a ban that reached 12 months. Originally, that ban could have lasted three years.

Tonali admitted to betting on soccer matches, including those from AC Milan. The Italian has been fully compliant with authorities, and he has admitted to a gambling addiction. That, combined with the lack of betting on games that he played in, may lighten an impending ban.

According to Sky Sports, Tonali’s representatives and Italian authorities are in talks about a 10-month ban. Without Tonali collaborating with the authorities, the ban could have extended up to three years. According to the report, the ban is close to finalization. Consequently, Tonali would miss extended time and major tournaments.

With Newcastle, the impending 10-month ban rules out Tonali for the entire season. He will miss Newcastle’s foray into the UEFA Champions League after Newcastle signed the midfielder this summer in a deal worth $75 million. Of course, he also misses the last 28 games in this season’s Premier League.

Sandro Tonali ban forces Italian out of Euro 2024 because of betting

With Italy, Tonali will not be able to participate in Euro 2024. Tonali was not a part of the Euro 2020 squad with Italy that won the competition. In fact, Euro 2024 was Tonali’s first opportunity to play in a major tournament with Italy after the nation failed to qualify for the 2022 World Cup. Tonali was in the Italian squad that stumbled in World Cup qualifying.

However, Italy still needs to qualify for Euro 2024. Tonali was expected to play against North Macedonia and Ukraine in the side’s last two qualifying games. It needs a result against Ukraine because Ukraine is currently above Italy in the qualifying standings.

In the immediate picture, Tonali remains available. The Italian played at the weekend as Newcastle pounded Crystal Palace. In Newcastle’s game against Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday, Newcastle manager Eddie Howe expects the Italian to be available.

“As far as I’m aware, I’m expecting him to be available for tomorrow. I’m in a position where I’ll plan like that until I’m told differently. I can’t second guess what’s going to happen. He’s trained today and he’s available.”

Tonali to receive help with gambling problem

After that game against Crystal Palace, Newcastle fans showered Tonali with support as he goes through a trying time in his life. Eddie Howe echoed the sentiments of the fans. The manager reiterated those thoughts to say Newcastle is fully behind its midfielder.

“It’s very easy for people to forget how young he is and the changes he’s had in his life, coming from Italy to England. That’s hard enough to deal with and now he has this situation,” Howe said. “Straight away, it was throw our arms round him and protect him, and try to give him the love and support he needs to try to find solutions to the problems that he’s had.”

PHOTO: IMAGO / PA Images, Sportphoto.