Sandro Tonali 'admits to betting on AC Milan matches' and could face lengthy ban

Newcastle star Sandro Tonali has admitted to betting on matches involving AC Milan during a meeting with an Italian prosecutor, reports in Italy claim.

Tonali, along with Aston Villa midfielder Nicolo Zaniolo, were questioned by police last week amid an investigation into illegal betting.

Both players were released from international duty, having been due to be involved in the Euro 2024 qualifier against England on Tuesday.

Tonali has been co-operating with the investigation, and it is claimed by Italian media that he himself reported himself to the sports justice body.

His agent Giuseppe Riso confirmed on Tuesday that the midfielder is battling a gambling addiction.

Speaking at an event in London, he said: "Sandro suffers of gambling addiction. He's fighting to avoid that and I'm sure he will win this difficult game.

"He's sad, still in shock. I'd like to thank Newcastle as they're supporting Sandro. He's training, he could feature on Saturday.

"I hope this gambling addiction issue will help to save Sandro's life as well as many other young guys affected by the same problem. Sandro understood that he has to focus on this issue and face up to the gambling addiction with a strong, determined approach."

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Tonali is currently in Italy, where he held a three-hour hearing with Italian federal prosecutor Giuseppe Chine as part of the illegal betting probe.

And according to Gazzetta dello Sport reporter Fabiana della Valle, Tonali admitted to betting on matches involving former club AC Milan, who he played for between 2020 and 2023 before joining Newcastle in the summer.

However, it is claimed that while this could constitute sporting misconduct, Tonali's alleged offences would not be a breach as he is said to have bet on Milan to win matches, when he was not involved in the squad.

If Tonali is found guilty of betting on football matches, he faces a ban of up to three years under Article 24 of the sporting justice code.

Any ban would be halved if the midfielder reached a plea agreement.

Juventus midfielder Nicolo Fagioli, who was investigated as part of the same illegal betting probe, was handed a 12-month ban by the FIGC on Tuesday for breaching rules surrounding betting on matches.

Fagioli admitted his offence to the authorities, and will speak in at least 10 sessions with amateur sporting organisations and with groups helping gambling addicts.

Because of this, the 22-year-old has been given more lenient treatment by the FIGC, and will serve a seven-month ban from playing, with five months of his ban suspended.

According to The Athletic, decisions on the outcome of Tonali and Zaniolo's cases could be reached in December.

Newcastle did not provide comment when approached by Sky Sports News.

SPORTbible has contacted Sandro Tonali's representatives for comment.

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