Sandro Tonali 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.

The Italian midfielder is alleged to have broken regulations 50 times by placing bets on football matches between 12 August and 12 October last year, the FA said.

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

The 23-year-old 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 Football 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 his suspension - under FIFA rules - could have reached three years.

He cannot play competitive football until August, meaning he will miss Euro 2024.
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But he is free to train with Newcastle and play in friendlies.

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.

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 we 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.