FA investigating whether Sandro Tonali broke betting rules after Newcastle transfer

The FA has opened an investigation into whether Sandro Tonali was involved in betting on football after his move to Newcastle United from AC Milan this summer.

The 23-year-old midfielder has already been banned from all football activity for 10 months after being found guilty of breaching rules on gambling by the Italian Football Federation (FIGC).

However, that punishment only looked into Tonali’s activity in Italy on illegal betting platforms, rather than on any potential gambling after moving to Tyneside for £55million ($63.4m) in July.

Tonali’s agent, Beppe Riso, said on October 17 that his client was suffering from a gambling-related “illness”, raising questions over whether he could have laid bets while he was a Newcastle player, given his addiction.

The FA’s subsequent investigation into this possibility brings with it the potential for further punishment. Tonali is allowed to train with Newcastle during his suspension.

Speaking earlier on Friday, Newcastle sporting director Dan Ashworth was asked about the possibility of the FA opening an investigation.

“All I can say to you is that we have fully cooperated with all of the associations and organisations concerned and the FA are, of course, fully aware of what’s going on,” he said.

“They are the ones who had to sanction the ban so we’re fully cooperating with everybody.”

Asked whether this could lead to an additional punishment, Ashworth replied: “All I can deal with is the present and the facts. I can’t look into the future and, as I’ve said, we’ve cooperated fully with all of the organisations.”

Newcastle have been approached for further comment.

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