Newcastle United have finally issue an official statement from the club on the ban imposed by Italian Football Federation, FGIC, on Sandro Tonali, MySportDab reports.
We reported earlier Italian Football Federation imposed a 10-month ban on Sandro Tonali for breaching betting rules governing the conduct of professional footballers.
Sandro Tonali had admitted to the indictment and had successfully cooperated and negotiated a reduced punishment which on most cases could last for years.
Tonali played his ‘supposedly’ last game for Newcastle United in the UEFA Champions League match against Borussia Dortmund due to the ban which was to take effect on Friday, October 27, 2023.
However, Newcastle boss Eddie Howe talked tough in his Wolves match press conference, arguing Newcastle United have not been informed by Italian Football Federation hence he is considering playing Sandro Tonali in Newcastle Premier League match against Wolves.
MySportDab understands Sandro Tonali’s ban faced jurisdictional issues since it is coming from an Italian football authority.
However, FIFA confirmed on Friday, October 27, 2023 they have received a petition from Italian Football Federation to extend the ban worldwide.
The world football governing body added they have accepted the plea and have extended Tonali’s ban hence the embattled footballer was not liable to play football in any FIFA member association until the ban expires.
Now, Newcastle United have officially issued a statement to the effect of Tonali’s ban.
The Magpies’ club statement reads;
“Sandro Tonali has been banned from competitive football for ten months, as effective from Friday, 27th October 2023, following illegal betting charges by the Italian Football Federation (FIGC).
“FIGC’s sanction includes an overall 18-month ban, with eight months commuted as the player participates in a therapeutic plan and educational programme in Italy consisting of 16 commitments.
“On the evening of Friday, 27th October, Newcastle United received confirmation that FIFA has endorsed FIGC’s sanction to be applied worldwide, meaning Sandro will be eligible to return to competitive football from Tuesday, 27th August 2024.”
Tonali’s ban is a big blow to Newcastle United as he was key to Eddie Howe’s squad since joining for £55m from AC Milan in the summer.
