Newcastle release statement on Sandro Tonali betting case

Tonali is one of several Italy players involved in the betting scandal

Tonali admitted on Tuesday to making bets on his former side AC Milan to win games during a hearing at the Italian Federation in Turin.

According to FIFA Code 26, the midfielder could face a ban of up to three years from worldwide football. Tonali is expected to face a lesser ban, but still a lengthy one for his cooperation with the investigation and to admitting about gambling on games.

The 23-year-old was withdrawn from the Italy squad alongside Nicolo Zaniolo while Juventus' Nicolo Fagioli has been banned from football for seven months after being found guilty of betting on illegal platforms.

Newcastle have now released their first statement since the story broke, confirming that Tonali is under investigation but gave no answer on whether he will be available for their game against Crystal Palace on Saturday.

It said: "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 Tuesday, Tonali's agent, Giuseppe Riso, revealed that his client was suffering from a gambling addiction.

"Sandro is playing an important game against gambling addiction - he will win this one too," Riso explained.

"I'd like to thank Newcastle who have always stood by Sandro. He is in shock, shaken and sad. I hope that this experience saves his life and that of many others, that it helps those who fall into the same habit as him."

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