Sandro Tonali’s renewed return date hope after latest response to FA investigation

Sandro Tonali, a midfielder for Newcastle United, has now reacted to a new FA charge.

Sandro Tonali has responded to the FA’s misconduct charge following a series of new betting breaches. The Italian midfielder is cooperating with the FA, but he must now await the verdict of an independent regulatory commission, which will determine whether his current ban will be extended.

As it stands, the £55 million player will be eligible to play in Newcastle’s third Premier League game of the season, a prospect that both Eddie Howe and the club are hopeful will remain unchanged.

There is a belief that despite the charges spanning from August 12, 2023, to October 12, 2023, the ban can be backdated, and the punishment may have already been served. However, Tonali’s fate remains in the hands of the commission, which will ultimately decide whether this is the case.

The FA announced on March 28 that “It’s alleged that the Newcastle United midfielder breached FA Rule E8 50 times by placing bets on football matches between 12 August 2023 and 12 October 2023.”

Last month, Eddie Howe publicly expressed his belief that his player has already faced severe punishment through actions taken by the Italian Football Federation and FIFA. FA sources have confirmed today that the case is still under review, as Newcastle responded in time to the latest round of charges by April 5.

As part of his eight-month rehabilitation, Sandro Tonali undertook 16 trips to Italy to assist others affected by illegal betting and addiction issues. Earlier this week, Tonali was absent from training as he embarked on one such trip to his home country.

Last month, Newcastle United stated: “Sandro continues to fully comply with relevant investigations and he retains the club’s full support. Due to this ongoing process, Sandro and Newcastle United are unable to offer further comment at this time.”

Tonali will be hoping that his suspension does not extend beyond August 27, allowing him to participate in domestic action again in the first month of the new campaign. His FIFA ban has already caused him to miss the European Championships in Germany.