Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali has been hit with a fresh charge from the FA in relation to alleged breaches of betting rules.
The Italian midfielder, who joined Newcastle last summer, is currently serving a 10-month ban for betting offences while playing in his homeland for AC Milan.
He has now been charged by the FA for allegedly placing 50 football bets between 12 August and 12 October 2023 – after he had signed for the Premier League club.
The 23-year-old was banned for those previous breaches of betting regulations in Italy on 26 October.
An FA statement read: ‘Sandro Tonali has been charged with misconduct in relation to alleged breaches of The FA’s Betting Rules.
‘It’s alleged that the Newcastle United midfielder breached FA Rule E8 50 times by placing bets on football matches between 12 August 2023 and 12 October 2023. Sandro Tonali has until 5 April 2024 to respond.’
Following the charge, Newcastle said in a statement: ‘Newcastle United acknowledges a misconduct charge received by Sandro Tonali in respect of alleged breaches of FA Betting Rules.
‘Sandro continues to fully comply with relevant investigations and he retains the club’s full support.
‘Due to this ongoing process, Sandro and Newcastle United are unable to offer further comment at this time.’
Tonali joined the Magpies on a five-year deal in July for a fee of £55m. He featured in 12 games for the club before being suspended.
Following his ban last year, Tonali’s agent, Giuseppe Riso, revealed the Italy international is suffering from gambling addiction.
‘Sandro is shocked,’ Riso said in an interview with The Times.
‘I hope this experience will help save his life and also the lives of others with his same addictions, including all those young people who are starting to struggle with this addiction.
‘Sandro is playing the most important game of his life, against gambling addiction. He won a lot of big games in his life and I’m sure he’ll win this one too.’
