Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali could face further punishment after breaching betting rules, with the Football Association (FA) now investigating the scandal, the Daily Mail reports.
The 23-year-old was banned from football for ten months by the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) in October but could face further punishment from the English authorities.
Tonali was banned after admitting to gambling problems and will be sidelined for the remainder of the Premier League season and the 2024 European Championship tournament in Germany.
In addition to his lengthy suspension, the former AC Milan ace must undergo eight months of rehabilitation and make several public appearances in Italy.
However, he could be in more hot water with the FA launching their own investigation into his £55million summer transfer to determine if he continued to engage in gambling activities after the move.
The FA’s investigation focuses on whether Tonali placed bets on football games, including those involving Newcastle, during the early weeks of the 2023/24 season.
If found guilty, he could potentially face another significant suspension, casting a shadow of uncertainty over his long-term future at St James’ Park.
Newcastle’s Director of Football, Dan Ashworth, has expressed his surprise and concern regarding Tonali’s ban, describing it as a ‘massive shock’ that ‘came from nowhere’.
Ashworth also confirmed that the Magpies have launched an investigation into the transfer and are refusing to rule out the possibility of taking legal action at this stage.
Tonali’s ban has left Newcastle with a void in their midfield, and they are considering the possibility of filling that gap in the January transfer window.
Multiple reports suggest Al-Hilal midfielder Ruben Neves has emerged as a priority target for the Magpies, with the Portuguese midfielder unsettled at the Saudi Arabian club.
The 26-year-old has plenty of Premier League experience following his six-year spell with Wolverhampton Wanderers, but the feasibility of a loan transfer is unclear.
