Newcastle United player Sandro Tonali has confessed to betting on AC Milan matches. The footballer issued the confession during an interview with an Italian public prosecutor, according to Italian news outlets.
Last week, Italian police questioned a number of players including Tonali. The probe was part of an investigation into betting irregularities. Aston Villa footballer Nicolo Zaniolo was also quizzed.
Italian football federation released both footballer from the national squad during the international break.
According to Italian media reports, Tonali has been cooperating with the investigation and has himself reported to the sport 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.”
Sandro Tonali’s bet on AC Milan
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.
In addition, Tonali confessed to betting on games involving AC Milan, according to Gazzetta dello Sport. He played for the Italian side from 2020 to 2023 before joining Newcastle last summer.
Tonali will face a ban of up to three years under Article 24 of the sporting justice code if found guilty of betting on football matches.
If the midfielder reaches a plea agreement, any ban would be halved.
Notably, Juventus midfielder Nicolo Fagioli was handed a 12-month ban by the FIGC on Tuesday. Fagioli was investigated as part of the same illegal betting probe and was punished for breaching rules surrounding betting on matches.
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