Italian midfielder Sandro Tonali, who currently plays for Newcastle United, has been given a suspended two-month ban by the Football Association (FA) for breaching betting rules. Tonali, 23, will only serve the ban if he commits further breaches before the end of next season. This comes in addition to the 10-month ban he is already serving for offenses committed during his time in Italy.
Tonali was charged by the FA in March after admitting to placing between 40 and 50 football bets, including four on Newcastle’s results, after joining the club from AC Milan in July. The FA stated that the money placed on these bets by Tonali would have amounted to over £85,000. All four of Tonali’s bets on Newcastle were on his side to win, and he played in three of the four fixtures.
Newcastle has expressed its support for Tonali, stating that he is “continuing to follow a therapeutic plan and educational program with the club’s full support” and will continue training with his teammates. An independent regulatory commission acknowledged that the process has had a significant impact on Tonali and that he does not want to experience such consequences again.
The commission also highlighted that without Tonali’s admissions, it is highly unlikely that the FA would have become aware of his misconduct. The written reasons released by the commission revealed the specific matches Tonali admitted to betting on, which included an accumulator involving Newcastle’s matches against Brighton and Burnley, as well as single bets on their matches against Brentford and Manchester City.
It was also revealed that Tonali had participated in an FA training program about betting in August, just nine days before his offenses began. However, due to his limited English proficiency, he did not fully understand the content. This raises questions about the effectiveness of such programs and the need for clearer communication to ensure all players comprehend the rules and regulations surrounding betting.
This incident involving Tonali highlights the ongoing issue of betting in football and the importance of maintaining the integrity of the sport. It serves as a reminder that players have a responsibility to adhere to the rules and regulations set forth by governing bodies such as the FA. Additionally, it raises questions about the support and guidance provided to players, particularly those who may not have a strong grasp of the language or cultural nuances.
Moving forward, it is crucial for clubs and governing bodies to continue educating players about the risks and consequences associated with betting. This should include clear guidelines, language support, and ongoing support systems to ensure that players fully understand their responsibilities and can make informed decisions. By doing so, the football community can work together to protect the integrity of the sport and maintain trust among fans and stakeholders.