Newcastle confirm start of Tonali ban

Newcastle have confirmed Sandro Tonali's 10-month ban from competitive football for breaching betting rules has officially begun. 

Toon boss Eddie Howe had suggested on Friday that the 23-year-old may feature against Wolves this weekend, given the club had not received official notification from the relevant authorities.

However, the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) have now confirmed the midfielder's punishment — which also includes an eight-month therapeutic plan to help Tonali recover from a gambling addiction.

Any prospects of a loan to the Middle East or similar have also been quashed after FIFA extended the ban worldwide.

A club statement read: "Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali has been banned from competitive football for ten months, as effective from Friday, October 27, 2023 following illegal betting charges by the Italian Football Federation (FIGC).

"FIGC's sanction includes an overall 18-month ban, with eight months commuted as the player participates in a therapeutic plan and educational programme in Italy consisting of 16 commitments. 

"On the evening of Friday, October 27, Newcastle United received confirmation that FIFA has endorsed FIGC's sanction to be applied worldwide, meaning Sandro will be eligible to return to competitive football from Tuesday, August 27 2024."

Tonali appeared from the bench during the second half of Newcastle's 1-0 home defeat to Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League on Wednesday.

The 15-cap Italian international arrived on Tyneside from AC Milan in a £55million move in July, becoming the club's second most expensive signing.

Both Milan and Newcastle say they were unaware of any betting breaches prior to the story breaking earlier this month.