Newcastle United announce return date for suspended Tonali

Premier League side Newcastle United have announced that Italian international Sandro Tonali will be available to play football again from 28 August following his 10-month ban for breaching betting rules.

The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) sanctioned the 24-year-old midfield maestro in October 2023 for breaching the rule which prohibits players from placing bets on football events organised by itself, UEFA and FIFA during his time in Italy while playing for AC Milan.

The Italy midfielder joined Newcastle from the Biaconceleste in July 2023 for £55m and his ban was handed after he had played 12 games for the Magpies.

“The club has received formal confirmation from the Federazione Italiana Guioco Calico (FIGC) that the player’s sporting sanction will run up to and including Tuesday, 27th August,” said Newcastle in a statement on its website on Thursday.

Tonali’s first game back could be in the Carabao Cup against Nottingham Forest depending on when it is played during the week of his return.

Alternatively, Newcastle’s next game following the Forest tie is a Premier League home match against Tottenham on Sunday, 1 September.

In May 2024, Tonali was given a suspended two-month ban after admitting to breaches of Football Association betting rules.

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The player likened to legendary former Italy star, Andrea Pirlo, will not have to serve the ban if he does not commit any further breaches before the end of this season.

Tonali has been training with the Newcastle squad during pre-season as he closes in on his return.

“His edge is there now because he knows it is around the corner,” Magpies boss Eddie Howe told the BBC.

“He will miss the start [of the season] but he’s a massive player for us.”

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The Premier League gets underway on Friday, 16 August, while Newcastle’s first game is at home to Southampton on Saturday afternoon.