Newcastle star Sandro Tonali, has reportedly admitted to prosecutors that he placed bets on AC Milan games during his time with the club.
The Turin prosecutor’s office questioned him for nearly three hours, and according to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Tonali disclosed that he indeed engaged in betting on football matches, including those involving Milan.
This admission adds complexity to the situation.
Tonali insists that he did not place bets on Milan matches when he was actively playing. If this claim is validated, he may avoid being charged with match-fixing, as he would not have influenced any games.
However, gambling on his own team could still lead to a suspension longer than three years from the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) prosecutor.
Additionally, Tonali has revealed that he struggles with a gambling addiction, which could lead to part of his penalty being allocated to mandatory therapy sessions.
The Italy international is likely hoping for a similar punishment to what Juventus midfielder Nicolo Fagioli received, which consisted of a seven-month ban, a fine, and therapy.
It’s worth noting that the FIGC prosecutor’s office is not the only entity investigating Tonali’s betting activities. There is also a criminal inquiry into his involvement with an illegal gambling platform.
The 23-year-old potentially faces substantial fines for using unauthorised betting websites. Investigators have the means to compare his statements with the evidence found on his confiscated mobile phone and tablet.
In addition to Tonali and Fagioli, Aston Villa’s Nicolo Zaniolo has also been implicated in the betting scandal and could encounter a similar fate.