Newcastle’s Sandro Tonali agrees to 10-month ban from football over illegal betting – but he CAN play in the Champions League tonight as final details are worked out
- Sandro Tonali is expected to be available for Borussia Dortmund this evening
- The Champions League match could be his last appearance before a suspension
- Follow the new Mail Sport WhatsApp channel Champions League for all the latest news
Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali will miss the next ten months as Italian authorities prepare to confirm his ban on illegal betting.
The player’s lawyers have negotiated with prosecutors and the football federation and an agreement is close.
However, it is unlikely to officially arrive before Wednesday night’s Champions League match against Borussia Dortmund at St James’ Park and Tonali will be available for Eddie Howe. Any suspension will only take effect from the following day.
It is thought that UEFA did not want him to act but were powerless without implementing the ban from Italy.
Crucially for Tonali and Newcastle, he will be free to train with the team during his suspension, which runs until the end of August next year. He will miss Euro 2024 and the first weeks of the Premier League season.
A 10-month ban has been agreed for Newcastle star Sandro Tonali
Tonali is expected to be available for Eddie Howe for Newcastle’s match against Dortmund
It is expected that Tonali will be able to continue training at Newcastle during his suspension
Newcastle are yet to respond to reports in Italy about a clause in the 23-year-old’s contract meaning they do not have to pay him during the suspension.
However, the club are assessing all legal options and their lawyers will investigate whether they have a case for compensation as they paid Milan £52 million for a player who had already committed gambling offences, including betting on his own teams to win matches.
Tonali’s suspension also includes eight months of therapy and his participation in anti-gambling initiatives.