Sandro Tonali, a midfielder for Newcastle United, has been spared an extended ban from the Football Association despite placing 50 bets this season, including four on his club. Tonali placed four bets on Newcastle matches, including one on them to beat Manchester City. He will be free to resume playing on August 27 after a ten-month ban imposed by the Italian FA for bets placed while at AC Milan and Brescia. The FA found he had additional charges for betting activity from August to October last year, causing aggravating factors by betting on Newcastle with unspecified amounts around €10,000.
Tonali played in three of the four Newcastle games he bet on and made 46 other bets on the Premier League through bookies outside the UK. However, the FA concluded that he only bet on his club to win, avoiding creating negative connotations. They mentioned that Tonali was not motivated by financial gain, did not profit from his habit, and recognized his fortunate position to earn a significant salary. Tonali voluntarily admitted that although he was not fully aware of English football’s betting rules, he knew he was not allowed to bet.
Tonali underwent FA training, though his limited English proficiency hindered his understanding. The FA’s independent commission mentioned that despite him placing bets on his own team, he only bet on Newcastle to win matches without damaging integrity. Tonali has participated in community exercises around gambling in Italy as part of his punishment there. He expressed that the process had a profound effect on him and that he does not wish to experience it again.
The FA’s Independent Regulatory Commission imposed a two-month suspension from all football activities, suspended until the end of the 2024/25 season, pending any further breaches of the FA’s Betting Rules. Tonali also received a £20,000 fine and a warning. Newcastle has affirmed their continued support, with Tonali training alongside his teammates. The player apologized and assured the FA that there would be no repeat of the incident, expressing regret and cooperation throughout the investigation.
Despite the betting controversy, Tonali made an impact on the field, scoring on his Newcastle debut in August. The FA highlighted his total cooperation with their probe and noted that he had recognized the seriousness of the situation. Tonali’s attempts to integrate into the English football system were hindered by language barriers, but he expressed his readiness to comply with rules and regulations moving forward. The FA’s decision to impose a suspended ban reflects their recognition of Tonali’s contrition and willingness to adhere to the guidelines going forward.
