FA issue Sandro Tonali update as Newcastle United await official investigation outcome

The FA has confirmed Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali is still eligible to face Crystal Palace this weekend as they await the outcome of the Italian investigation.

Tonali withdrew from the Italy squad last Thursday and returned to Tyneside following a probe from the Turin Public Prosecutor’s Office into the alleged use of illegal online betting platforms.

The 23-year-old’s agent Giuseppe Riso publicly revealed Tonali is battling a gambling addiction. Tonali returned to Italy yesterday to speak with prosecutors in Turin.

As per Sky Italia, it is feared Tonali is facing a lengthy ban after allegedly admitting to betting on AC Milan games when under contract at the Serie A. He spent three years at the San Siro before joining Newcastle in the summer for a fee worth £52million.

It’s widely claimed Tonali could be banned for a maximum of three years, which will be reduced to 12 months for co-operating. Newcastle are yet to comment on the situation as they await an official outcome.

And until then, the FA has confirmed Tonali is still eligible to feature in matches. United host Palace in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon.

“The FA say Sandro Tonali is still free to play for Newcastle on Saturday but they will wait for outcome of Italian investigation before commenting further,” the Daily Mail’s Craig Hope posted on X. “If Tonali has a gambling addiction, there is the possibility he has placed bets under their jurisdiction.”

Speaking at an Italian Embassy Event in London on Tuesday prior to England’s Euro 2024 over Italy, Riso, Tonali’s agent, said: “Sandro is playing his most important game - against betting addiction. He’s in shock, very sad.

‌”He has to face this. He is training at the moment. He can play Saturday. He knows he made a mistake and is quite shaken. But he understands that he must face the matter with determination. Newcastle have always been close to him. He is playing the most important game of his career, that of gambling addiction, but I am sure he will win it.

“Sandro is in shock, but he is continuing to train and maybe on Saturday he will even be able to play. I hope this gambling addiction issue will help to save Sandro’s life as well as many other young guys affected by the same problem. Sandro understood that he has to focus on this issue and face gambling addiction with a strong, determined approach.”