Newcastle confirm Tonali facing betting investigation

Newcastle United have confirmed that Italian midfielder Sandro Tonali is under investigation over allegedly breaching betting rules.

The Premier League club said the player is “fully engaging” with the investigation and will “continue to cooperate with all relevant authorities.”

“He and his family will continue to receive the club’s full support,” Newcastle added.

Italian football has been hit by an alleged illegal betting scandal in recent days, with the Italian Prosecutor’s Office and the Italian Football Federation, the FIGC, leading the probe.

Juventus midfielder Nicolo Fagioli has been banned for seven months for betting on football matches organised by UEFA, FIFA and the FIGC.

That development came after the FIGC sent Tonali and fellow Italian midfielder, Nicolo Zaniolo of Aston Villa, home from Italy’s international break camp last week.

The federation said: “Regardless of the allegations, we believe in this situation the players are not in the necessary condition to face the commitments scheduled in the next days.

“The Federation has decided, also to protect them, to allow them to return to their respective clubs.”