Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali could reportedly face a lengthy one-year ban from football after admitting to gambling on football matches. According to Gazzetta dello Sport, the Italy international’s lawyers will show up for a hearing in Rome on Monday, with the youngster’s immediate future up in the air.
Tonali hasn’t just come up clean about his gambling addiction. He also confessed to betting on Milan games while under contract at San Siro. Since he did only bet on Rossoneri to win, he won’t be facing charges for match-fixing. But the punishment for his transgressions is severe.
Using the same defense strategy as Juventus talent Nicolo Fagioli, who has been banned for seven months after agreeing to a plea bargain with the FIGC Prosecutor, Tonali self-reported.
Like his crucified countryman, the former Milan man will negotiate a plea bargain. However, his breaches could lead to a suspension of at least four years. Tonali is hopeful of cutting a ban in half, but that’s up to the FIGC Prosecutor to decide.
He will learn his fate at the beginning of the next week. But the early prognoses are ominous. As it turns out, Milan made a brilliant move in the summer by selling him to Newcastle for a substantial price. His exit allowed the club to reinforce Stefano Pioli’s squad.
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