The controversial midfielder Sandro Tonali is finally set to make his highly-anticipated return to competitive football after serving a lengthy ban due to betting breaches. The Italian star was handed a 10-month suspension by the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) after an investigation into a betting probe uncovered his involvement in placing bets on teams he was playing for.
In addition to his FIGC ban, Tonali also faced repercussions from the English Football Association (FA) earlier this year. The FA found him guilty of 50 breaches of their betting rules and levied a suspended two-month suspension on the player. This suspension will remain in effect throughout the 2024-25 season, along with a hefty £20,000 fine.
However, the good news for Tonali is that his suspension was suspended, allowing him to make a swift return to the pitch for Newcastle United. As long as he steers clear of any further infractions of the FA’s strict betting regulations, he will not have to serve any part of the two-month suspension.
Fans of the Magpies are eagerly awaiting Tonali’s comeback, which could see him back in action in less than two weeks. Depending on the scheduling of Newcastle’s Carabao Cup tie, the midfielder could make his return against Nottingham Forest. If the match falls on Tuesday, August 27th, then Tonali will be available for selection in their subsequent Premier League clash against Tottenham Hotspur.
The official announcement of Tonali’s return was made on Newcastle United’s website, where it was stated: “Newcastle United can announce that Sandro Tonali will return to selection on Wednesday 28th August 2024 following the conclusion of his ten-month ban from competitive football.”
With the football world buzzing about Tonali’s impending return, all eyes will be on the talented midfielder as he looks to put his troubled past behind him and make a fresh start on the pitch for Newcastle United.
