Sandro Tonali FA sentence after 'extraordinary and unprecedented' cooperation

Newcastle United star Sandro Tonali has been given a suspended two-month ban from competitive football by an independent Regulatory Commission after self-declaring breaches of FA Betting Rules.

The outcome emerges after a fresh FA investigation looked into his behaviour after making the £55million move from AC Milan. Tonali has been suspended since October after Italy's football federation issued a 10-month ban following an investigation in gambling by Serie A stars.

The ruling means Tonali will be free to return to football when his current suspension ends on August 27 2024 unless he further breaches betting rules during that period. The news will be warmly welcomed by Newcastle after the player avoided an extended period on the sidelines.

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Confirming the news, a United statement read: “Sandro Tonali has also been fined £20,000 and warned by the FA as to his future conduct. The banning period is fully suspended for the duration of the 2024/25 season, meaning he will be available to return to competitive football upon the conclusion of an existing ten-month sanction imposed by the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) on 27 October 2023.

“Provided that he does not commit any further breach of the FA Betting Rules during the suspension period, Sandro will not serve any part of the two-month sanction. As acknowledged by the FA in the independent Regulatory Commission’s written reasons, the level of assistance Sandro has provided by self-referring and fully cooperating with a subsequent investigation is extraordinary and unprecedented.

"Sandro made full admissions as to his betting activity, and did so in circumstances where there was no other evidence to support misconduct proceedings. Sandro is continuing to follow a therapeutic plan and educational programme with the club's full support and will continue to train with his teammates.”

Tonali was investigated by the FA for allegedly putting 50 bets on football games in just two months. The midfielder has been seeking help for his gambling addiction, which was confirmed by his agent during the Italian investigation in late 2023.