Newcastle United recently made an announcement regarding the potential return of Sandro Tonali to competitive football following a 10-month ban for gambling rule violations in Italy. The midfielder, who is 24 years old, could make his comeback in the game against Tottenham on Sept. 1.
Sandro Tonali was initially banned by the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) in October 2023 for breaking gambling rules. This led to a lengthy ban that kept him out of action for almost a year. In addition to this, he also received a two-month suspended ban from the English Football Association (FA) after his transfer to the Premier League.
As part of a plea-bargain deal with the FIGC, Tonali engaged in treatment sessions for problem gambling and committed to delivering talks about his experience over an extended period. Although he was at risk of facing a three-year suspension due to FIFA and FIGC regulations, his cooperation with the authorities led to a reduction in the length of his ban.
The Italy international’s cooperation with the FIGC and the Italian prosecutor’s office played a crucial role in determining the outcome of his case. By working closely with the investigating bodies, Tonali managed to reduce his ban and ensure a smoother return to competitive football.
Despite being signed from AC Milan for a significant fee, Sandro Tonali has not been able to make a significant impact on the field for Newcastle United due to his suspension. However, with his potential return approaching, there is hope that he can contribute to the team’s performance and fulfill his potential in the Premier League.
Sandro Tonali’s suspension and subsequent return to competitive football serve as a reminder of the consequences of breaching gambling rules in professional sports. The collaboration between the player and the authorities highlights the importance of taking responsibility for one’s actions and working towards redemption. Newcastle United and its fans will be eager to see how Tonali performs upon his return and whether he can make a positive impact on the team.
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