After FIFA made the ban apply to everyone, Newcastle player Sandro Tonali’s 10-month ban from football began today.
Following betting rules, the 23-year-old was banned by the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) on Thursday.
Tonali will not be able to play in the Premier League game against Wolves on Saturday.
Eddie Howe, the manager of the Magpies, told a news conference on Friday morning that Tonali could still play because the club had not yet discovered that he was banned.
But on Friday night, Fifa, the world’s governing body, said it had agreed to the FIGC’s request to make the ban apply to everyone.
The FIGC said the Italy defender broke a rule that says players can’t bet on football games put on by FIGC, Uefa, or Fifa. He was also fined 20,000 euros (£17,380).
It also said that Tonali and the federal prosecutor had agreed to an 18-month ban, with eight months being put toward “a therapeutic plan” to help Tonali “recover from gambling addiction.”
Before the ban was officially announced on Friday morning, Howe said, “We’ve heard the news and the statement, but we haven’t heard anything from the Italian government yet.”Again, I think there’s a good chance that he’ll be free for us. So let’s see. I still think there are a few things that need to happen before the ban is put in place.
Some reports say Tonali will still be able to train with Newcastle even though he is banned, but Howe said, “We don’t know” if that is true.
Tonali moved from AC Milan to Newcastle in July for £55 million, making him the club’s second-most expensive deal.
The Newcastle manager said that when the club signed him, they didn’t know about any possible betting violations.
“You make a decision at the time with the knowledge you have,” said Howe. “We really liked him as a footballer and had no idea that this was even a possibility.”There’s no doubt that not having a good player for a while will be frustrating and disappointing.
“This proves that you can’t predict what will happen tomorrow.” It’s a good lesson. This kind of thing needs a strong team to handle it. It’s a part of sports and life.
Howe also said this about Tonali’s attitude: “He was alert when he came on against Dortmund.” After this happened, he has done really well in training ever since.He is still in the same mood. It’s always there in the background, and I’m sure he’s having a hard time with it.
Reports said Newcastle was interested in signing former Wolves player Ruben Neves, who went to Saudi Pro League team Al-Hilal in the summer.
On Saturday, Newcastle plays Wolves away in the Premier League. On Wednesday, they play Manchester United in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup.
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