The Italian Federal Prosecutor’s Office announced on Thursday that it had reached a settlement concerning footballer Sandro Tonali. The agreement imposes a fine of 20,000 euros and bans Tonali from football-related activities for 18 months, eight of which will be converted into an alternative prescription plan due to the breach of betting rules.
The decision was published by the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) on its official site after Tonali breached article 24 of the Codice di Giustizia Sportiva (CGS), which explicitly prohibits betting on football matches. The CGS is the framework through which the FIGC enforces disciplinary measures and has ties to international governing bodies like UEFA and FIFA.
According to the press release, the alternative prescriptions require Tonali to engage in a treatment plan lasting at least eight months, accompanied by a minimum of 16 public meetings. The plan will unfold across Italy, with activities spread through amateur sports associations and federal territories, as well as centers dedicated to gambling addiction treatment. All steps must align with the program recommended by the FIGC and overseen by the Federal Public Ministry to ensure compliance. In the event of a breach, additional disciplinary actions will be pursued, including potential contract termination and continued proceedings under the CGS. The FIGC underscored that it administers sports justice in these matters.
The case highlights how football authorities combine disciplinary processes with rehabilitation efforts when violations involve betting on sports events. It also reflects the ongoing collaboration between national bodies like the FIGC and international organizations to maintain integrity within the sport. Observers note that the outcome illustrates a balanced approach that seeks to address not only breaches of rules but also the underlying issues that lead to gambling-related conduct among players. The settlement shows a willingness to pair penalties with structured support, aiming to prevent future violations while supporting the player’s recovery and accountability.
Ultimately, the decision places Tonali under a monitored regime where compliance will be assessed by the Federal Public Ministry. The case demonstrates how, in European football, sanctions can include both penalties and prescribed interventions, offering a model that other federations may reference when handling similar violations. The tone from the FIGC and the prosecutor’s office suggests a commitment to upholding the sport’s integrity while providing pathways for rehabilitation within the legal framework governing sports justice.