Sandro Tonali has admitted his gambling addiction during the investigation into possible illegal sports betting. The Italian international is likely to face a long ban.
Despite his involvement in the Italian betting scandal, Newcastle United coach Eddie Howe continues to rely on his star midfielder Sandro Tonali. “He trained with us twice this week and is of course available for selection”Howe emphasized with a view to the home game against Crystal Palace this Saturday. He is analyzing the training performance of all players and Tonali has trained very well, Howe said on Friday.
There are also no discussions about the future of the 23-year-old professional footballer in Newcastle. “We will support him and see him as part of our team for many years. And I know that from his side the same applies to us.”
Newcastle wants to cooperate with authorities
The English Premier League club announced on Wednesday (10/18/23) that the Italian international was taking part in the investigation and would cooperate with all relevant authorities. Tonali’s agent Giuseppe Riso told the British newspaper Times that the player suffered from betting addiction.
“Sandro is playing the most important game of his life, against betting addiction. He has won many important games in his career and I am sure he will win this one too.” Tonali moved from AC Milan to Newcastle for £55 million (approx. €63 million) before this season.
Newcastle has Sponsorship agreements with three betting providers
Howe declined to comment on Newcastle’s sponsorship deals with three betting companies. “My job is to train the team, manage the team and that’s what I do. It’s probably better if I stick to these topics,” said the 45-year-old.
Last Tuesday it became known that the Turin public prosecutor’s office was investigating Tonali and his selection colleague Nicolò Zaniolo from Aston Villa.
Officials questioned both of them at the Italian national team’s training camp about allegations of illegal betting. The association said they had been officially informed about their involvement in the investigation. Both players subsequently left the national team and returned to their clubs.