Sandro Tonali: Italian midfielder not available to face Wolves after FIFA impose 10-month betting ban

Sandro Tonali will not feature for Newcastle against Wolves in the Premier League on Saturday after the 10-month ban from football issued to him by the Turin Prosecutor's Office and the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) was imposed by FIFA.

The belief on Friday morning was that Tonali, who had previously been under investigation by the FIGC and Turin Prosecutor's Office, would be available to play against Wolves, but that will no longer be the case after FIFA's intervention.

Late on Friday afternoon, a FIFA spokesperson said: "The request submitted by the Italian Football Association to extend the sanction it imposed on the player Sandro Tonali on 27 October 2023 to have worldwide effect has been granted.”

In Eddie Howe's pre-match press conference on Friday morning, he confirmed that the 23-year-old was still available for selection as it stood.

"We've heard the news, the statement, but we haven't had anything from the Italian authorities at the moment," said Howe.

"I think there's a high chance again that he could be available for us. I still think there are a few things that have to happen before the ban is imposed, so let's see."

When announcing news of the ban, FIGC president Gabriel Gravina said: “An agreement has been reached between the Federal Prosecutor and Sandro Tonali, which I have already approved.

“A plea bargain is expected for 18 months [of suspension], eight of which will be made up of recovery activities and therapy, and at least 16 face-to-face meetings.”

It remains unclear as to whether Tonali will still be able to train with Newcastle during the ban, and Howe admits the club were not aware of the situation when signing the Italian for £55million last summer.

"You make a decision at the time with the knowledge you have," Howe added. "We really liked him as a footballer and had no idea that this was even a possibility.

"Of course, there's a frustration and a disappointment that we're not going to have a quality player for a period of time.

"It shows nobody knows what tomorrow will bring. It is a valuable lesson. We need a squad robust enough to deal with these things. It is part of life and football."

Despite the uncertainty surrounding the midfielder, Howe has been impressed by his attitude ahead of what is likely to be a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

"He was bright when he came on against Dortmund. From the moment this happened, his training performances have been very good,” he explained.

"His mood is the same. It is there in the background and I'm sure there are difficult times for him."

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