Sandro Tonali Won't Be Playing With Newcastle as FIFA Extends Gambling Ban

FIFA made it clear Friday that the 10-month ban imposed on Italian footballer Sandro Tonali does extend to appearances in Newcastle matches.  And this includes Saturday's game against the Wolves.

Newcastle manager Eddie Howe had previously stated there was a 'high chance' of Tonali playing.

He had said: 'It's difficult because we haven't had that official confirmation as a football club yet. We've heard the news and speculation statement, but we haven't had anything from the Italian authorities at the moment so we're in limbo really waiting for that official confirmation to come through.

'I think there's a high chance he could be available for us. There has to be a few things that have to happen before the ban is imposed so let's see.'

FIFA swiftly responded on Friday. "The request submitted by the Italian Football Association to extend the sanction it imposed on the player Sandro Tonali on [Friday] to have worldwide effect has been granted."

Tonali is part of a gambling probe that has reportedly netted nearly 40 players. Tonali is among a handful already named and is said to be cooperating with prosecutors.  The Italian star will also miss the Euro 2024.

The scandal first broke on October 11 following revelations that Juventus’s 22-year-old midfielder Nicolo Fagioli was under probe by prosecutors in Turin for using illegal betting platforms to gamble on football matches.

Tonali and Aston Villa player Nicolo Zaniolo were soon questioned by police for their alleged role in illegal betting. Both were forced to leave Italy’s training camp for Euro 2024 qualifiers against Malta and England.

- Alistair Prescott, Gambling911.com