Newcastle star charged with breaching FA's betting rules

Newcastle United footballer Sandro Tonali has been charged with misconduct over alleged breaches of the Football Association’s betting rules.

Sandro Tonali joined Newcastle last July. Pic: Reuters

It is claimed the Italian midfielder broke regulations 50 times by placing bets on football matches between 12 August and 12 October last year, the FA said.

Tonali at Newcastle’s training ground in October. Pic: Action Images via Reuters

The 23-year-old, who joined the Magpies for £55m from AC Milan last summer, has until 5 April to respond, the FA added.

Tonali, an Italy international, is currently serving a 10-month football ban after breaching betting rules in his home nation. He was also fined £17,000.

In a hearing at the Italian Football Federation in Turin, he admitted making bets on AC Milan to win games.

He was initially given an 18-month ban last October by the Italian Federation – but that was reduced by eight months after he agreed to enter therapy.

Giuseppe Riso, his agent, said he had a gambling addiction.

Had he not cooperated he could have been suspended for up to three years.

Tonali cannot play competitive football until 27 August, meaning he will miss Euro 2024.

But he is free to train with Newcastle and play in friendlies.

He scored on his Magpies debut during a 5-1 Premier League demolition of Aston Villa – and had made only 12 appearances in all competitions when his season was cut short.

Newcastle said it “acknowledged” the misconduct charge, adding that the player “continues to fully comply with relevant investigations”.

Tonali “retains the club’s full support”, it added.

“Due to this ongoing process, Sandro and Newcastle United are unable to offer further comment at this time,” Newcastle said.

Analysis: Football’s ‘uneasy’ links with the betting industry

When Sandro Tonali was pictured signing for Newcastle, the backdrop was plastered with logos for a betting firm, writes Sky News sports correspondent Rob Harris.

He was promoting gambling on football while under orders – like every player – not to bet on the game himself.

Football has uneasy funding and promotional links to a betting industry that players are ordered to stay away from.

Perhaps, in addition, we should be asking whether banning a player is the right solution when dealing with an addiction.

This is a player with a gambling problem – currently serving a 10-month ban for offenses in Italy where he played for AC Milan before joining Newcastle in July 2023. Now, the FA is alleging a further 50 betting breaches.

It could lead to a lengthier ban for Tonali, who is already out of Italy’s Euro 2024 campaign.