The FA’s investigation into Sandro Tonali has found that he placed 50 bets on soccer games since moving to England, including on his own team. [Image: Shutterstock.com]

More issues

The English Football Association (FA) has issued 50 new charges for betting offenses against Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali. The 23-year-old is already in the middle of serving a ten-month ban for gambling violations dating back to his days in Italy.

The FA decided to launch its own investigation into Tonali after the offenses in his home country came to light. In a statement on Thursday, the organization said that he has until April 5 to respond to the allegations.

bet as many as 50 times on soccer games following his move to England

The fresh allegations contend that Tonali bet as many as 50 times on soccer games following his move to England in July. This included matches involving his own team, although he never bet on Newcastle to lose. Tonali did the same when he was playing for both Brescia and AC Milan.

Supporting the player

Newcastle United released a statement regarding the fresh charges, stating that the club still fully sports Tonali and noted that he is complying with the probe. It’s unclear if the FA will impose its own additional punishment on Tonali or if it will be happy for him to serve the rest of his current ban.

Tonali’s ten-month suspension began in October and requires him to get treatment for his problem, as well as appear at least 16 times at organizations for recovering addicts and at youth soccer centers to speak about his issues.

had been facing as many as three years away from the sport

He had been facing as many as three years away from the sport before agreeing to a plea deal. Tonali’s agent Giuseppe Riso revealed that his client was struggling with a gambling addiction.

Tonali has been able to train with his team while serving the ban; manager Eddie Howe recently revealed that the club has identified parts of his game that he can improve, which helps to keep the midfielder focused.

Embedded in the sport

Some anti-gambling groups have questioned the handing down of suspensions to soccer players who are addicted to betting when they have to show up to work surrounded by gambling-related imagery. The Big Step Campaign compared this difficult environment to “sending an alcoholic to work in a pub.”

Tonali moved to Newcastle for £53m ($67m) and only made 12 appearances for the team. He is not eligible again until August 27, which means that he will miss out on playing in Euro 2024 with Italy.

The jerseys of English Premier League teams often carry the logos of gambling companies and field-side advertising showcases similar messages. Tonali’s own club has partnerships with three gambling operators: Fun88, Sportsbet.io, and BetMGM.