Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali is set to make his return to competitive football after serving a 10-month ban for breaching gambling rules in Italy. The ban, handed down by the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) in October 2023, has kept the 24-year-old out of action for almost a year. However, after attending treatment sessions for problem gamblers and cooperating with the authorities, Tonali is now eligible for selection and could feature in his team’s upcoming game against Tottenham on Sept. 1.
In a bid to reduce the severity of his punishment, Tonali entered into a plea-bargain deal with the FIGC, which required him to participate in treatment sessions and deliver talks about his experience over an extended period. His cooperation with both the FIGC and the Italian prosecutor’s office played a crucial role in reducing his potential three-year suspension to a 10-month ban. Additionally, the English Football Association (FA) suspended a two-month ban imposed on Tonali after acknowledging his cooperation and self-referral in the investigation.
Newcastle completed the signing of Tonali from AC Milan in July 2023 for a reported fee of €70 million ($74.7m) with add-ons. Despite showing promise in his 11 appearances for the club prior to the ban, Tonali’s enforced absence has left fans eagerly awaiting his return to the pitch. With his ban now lifted, the midfielder is poised to resume his career and make a significant impact for his team as they compete in the Premier League.
As Sandro Tonali prepares to make his much-anticipated comeback, the focus will be on his performance on the field and his ability to put the past behind him. The midfielder’s redemption story serves as a reminder of the consequences of breaching gambling rules in professional football, but also highlights the importance of cooperation and accountability in seeking a second chance. Newcastle United will be hoping that Tonali’s return provides a much-needed boost to their squad and helps propel them to success in the upcoming season.