Newcastle’s star signing Sandro Tonali will not play again this season.
Sandro Tonali’s dream move to the Premier League turned into a nightmare. PDO
The Italian Futsal Federation has banned the transfer to the Premier League for this season For Sandro Tonali a ten-month ban.
Tonali has confessed his gambling addiction and agreed to cooperate with the police investigation. Because of that, the length of the ban was slightly shortened. In addition, the former AC Milan star will have to go through an eight-month rehab program.
Tonali’s crime was that he had placed bets on Italian league matches while playing in the Rossoneri shirt. In some cases, he had even bet on matches where he himself was on the field.
The punishment also includes at least 16 public speaking events where Tonal must talk about his addiction.
Betting by professional futsal players is strictly prohibited in the rules of both futs umbrella organizations (Fifa, Uefa) and national federations. If it were allowed, it would threaten the independence of the sport.
At most, it can be punished with a suspension of up to three years.
Tonali will therefore miss the rest of Newcastle’s season. In addition, he will not be involved if the Italian national team clears its way to next summer’s EC final tournament.
– We protect Sandro and try to give him all the love and support he needs for his problems. He will be an important part of the team for many years to come, Newcastle manager Eddie Howe said.
Tonal became the most expensive footballer in Italian history last summer, when Newcastle paid no less than 70 million euros for his player rights.
Former Juventus midfielder Nicolò Fagioli got a seven-month ban for the same offense. Aston Villa Nicolò Zaniolo still waiting for his own verdict.