Newcastle United Football Club has issued a multimillion-dollar threat of legal action against Milan over the suspension of midfielder Sandro Tonali, who allegedly bet on his own club’s matches. The claim was reported by Corriere dello Sport.
Sources indicate that Newcastle considered pursuing a lawsuit against the Italian side after Tonali, who transferred to the English club for 70 million euros in the recent summer window, faced the possibility of a season-long ban. The potential sanction would have kept him out through the current season, affecting both his club commitments and national duties.
On October 12, journalist Corona noted that Juventus Torino midfielder Nicolo Fagioli had placed a bet and suggested that Tonali and Nicolo Zaniolo may have engaged in similar wagering activity. The implications for their standing in Italian football drew substantial attention from fans and analysts alike.
At 23 years old, Tonali built his reputation with Brescia and Milan, earning appearances for the Italian national team. His move to Newcastle United in the summer of 2023 marked a new chapter for the midfielder, who has since participated in Newcastle’s European campaign. The team is competing in the group stage of the Champions League this season, and Tonali has appeared in two matches in the competition to date without scoring.
The national team still holds the right to participate in the European Championship, but a disqualification or suspension could also affect his eligibility for continental competition. If the disciplinary action were to proceed as originally contemplated, Tonali could miss major international tournaments that lie ahead for the Azzurri.
Earlier reports had suggested that Tonali might receive an 18-month betting ban. The evolving situation has placed significant focus on the broader issue of gambling rules within football and how clubs handle cases involving high-profile players. The outcome remains uncertain as investigations and disciplinary procedures continue to unfold, with stakeholders closely watching how governing bodies will apply regulations and sanctions in this high-stakes context.