While Newcastle and AC Milan are in the midst of a battle on the pitch in their UEFA Champions League group, these two European sides could face off in court in the near future.
This is according to a Corriere dello Sport report that claims the Premier League side have threatened the Italian giants with a mega-money lawsuit over their recent Sandro Tonali deal.
The reason for this is simple: the Italian midfield marshal, who unexpectedly moved to St. James' Park from San Siro in the recent window, is under investigation over illegal bettings. In fact, according to the Daily Mail and the well-known Fabrizio Romano, a sentence has already been determined.
Sandro Tonali will be banned for 10 month — sources confirm final indications, waiting on statement.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) October 25, 2023
He won't be able to play for 10 months due to gambling addition scandal.
There will be additional months of participation in gambling rehab plan, same as Nicoló Fagioli. pic.twitter.com/USw2ynRE9V
The 23-year-old will be banned for 10 months, thus ruling Newcastle's £52M signing out for the rest of the campaign in a season in which the Magpies were hoping to achieve something worthwhile in the Premier League and the UEFA Champions League.
This ban has not been made official, meaning the Italian is eligible to play for Eddie Howe's side in their interesting showdown with Dortmund on Wednesday. However, the suspension should come into effect shortly after that game, thus robbing Newcastle of their new signing less than four months after agreeing a deal with AC Milan.
The English club are livid with the Rossoneri for selling them a player who was at risk of getting suspended and are now reportedly contemplating a lawsuit against the Serie A giants.
Tonali admitted to betting on AC Milan during his time at San Siro, which is prohibited. Additionally, the player's agent later revealed that the midfielder is struggling with a betting addiction.
Sandro has been assisting the investigation and has admitted guilt, which has earned him a lenient sentence — under FIFA rules, this crime could get a player suspended for three years. He will undergo eight months of therapy for his addiction and is likely to see his wages suspended.
It should be noted that he is not the only Italian player embroiled in a betting scandal. Juventus starlet Nicolo Fagioli has also been found guilty of similar wrongdoing and has already been hit with a seven-month suspension. Meanwhile, countryman Nicolo Zaniolo, who is currently at Aston Villa, is also under investigation over illegal bettings.
