Sandro Tonali will learn the length of his ban from football for illegal gambling ‘in the next 24 hours’ as midfielder trains ahead of Newcastle’s Champions League clash with Dortmund

• Sandro Tonali is being investigated in Italy amid allegations of illegal gambling
• Newcastle have since outlined their full support for the ‘struggling’ midfielder
• Listen to the latest episode of Mail Sport’s podcast ‘It’s All Kicking Off!’

Sandro Tonali will be told the final verdict of his sanction from football in ‘the next 24 hours’ as his lawyers are appealing for a 10-month ban amid allegations of illegal gambling.

The Newcastle midfielder is being investigated by the Italian Prosecutor’s Office and Italian Football Federation (FIGC) after he reportedly admitted to betting on matches involving his former club AC Milan.

He is one of three players that have been named in the investigation that is being undertaken by prosecutors, alongside Aston Villa’s Nicolo Zaniolo and Nicolo Fagioli of Juventus – who has since been banned for seven months.

Now, according to Gazzetta, a verdict is close to being decided and could be revealed today.

The Italian’s lawyers are reportedly appealing for a 10-month ban, which would see him miss the rest of this season and the Euro 2024 championship, meaning he would return around September next year. 

Sandro Tonali’s fate will be decided in ‘the next 24 hours’ according to local Italian media

The midfielder’s lawyers are hoping for a 10-month ban that would see him return in Sept 2024

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The sporting justice system will also try to speed up the process so that Tonali’s verdict is given before Newcastle play Borussia Dortmund at St James’ Park on Wednesday. 

It is also presumed that the financial penalty will be higher than the 12,500 euros which Fagioli was ordered to pay. 

Following the news of Tonali’s investigation, Newcastle released this statement: ‘Newcastle United can confirm that Sandro Tonali is subject to investigation by the Italian Prosecutor’s Office and Italian Football Federation (FIGC) in relation to illegal betting activity.

‘Sandro 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. Due to this ongoing process, Sandro and Newcastle United are unable to offer further comment at this time.’

On Saturday, manager Eddie Howe told how it was his decision to send Tonali on a lap of honour round the Newcastle stadium following their 4-0 win against Crystal Palace. 

Newcastle manager Eddie Howe hugged Tonali after his side smashed Crystal Palace 4-0

He said: ‘It sort of came to me when we were doing our walk that I wanted him to be at the front, to see the love closer up. So it’s a big thank you from me to our supporters. That reception at the end was incredible and it was emotional.

‘Sandro is going through an incredibly emotional time and the supporters reacted how I hoped they would. I could feel the love between him and them and that will do him the world of good, he’ll feel much better.

‘The hardest part is ahead, but it’s great for him to know he’s got the support of the senior management and the supporters, they’re the most important.’ 

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