Illegal sports betting lands Sandro Tonali with an 18-month suspension and a substantial fine
In the world of professional football, betting by players can lead to severe consequences, as demonstrated by the recent case of Sandro Tonali. The Italian midfielder, currently playing for Newcastle United, has been handed an 18-month ban and a fine of €20,000 by the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) for participating in illegal sports betting platforms, including betting on his own team.
Tonali's relatively mild penalty could be due to his cooperation with the authorities in the last few weeks and his contributions to the clarification of the scandal. However, this ban means he will miss the final games of his current club and the European Championship next year, if Italy qualifies.
Initially, Italian media expected a much higher penalty for Tonali, with regulations allowing penalties of up to 4 years. But Tonali must undergo a minimum of 8 months of therapy and attend 16 meetings of amateur football to discuss gambling and sports betting as part of the agreement. If he does not adhere to the rules, his ban will be the full 18 months.
Meanwhile, Nicolo Zaniolo is currently under investigation for illegal sports betting. Reports suggest that he is involved in an illegal sports betting ring, and the truth of these rumors will likely be revealed in the coming weeks. Zaniolo is reportedly having a hearing today at the Public Prosecutor's Office in Turin and will be questioned about his betting behavior.
The scandal has also raised questions about AC Milan's knowledge of Tonali's gambling addiction. Newcastle United's officials are investigating whether AC Milan was aware of Tonali's problem, and there are reports that the club might consider suing AC Milan due to this situation, which could potentially reverse the transfer.
Italy's government has been evolving its stance on gambling, including sports betting. While there is a recent push to partially reverse the ban on gambling sponsorships in sports, this is done under stringent conditions that limit operators to a smaller, licensed set and impose a tax on sponsorship revenues to support sports infrastructure and responsible gambling programs. This shows a careful balance between allowing commercial gambling interests and protecting the integrity of sport and public health.
The regulatory environment is tightening with higher licensing fees, increased operator consolidation, and robust anti-money laundering (AML) and responsible gambling requirements enforced by the Agenzia delle Dogane e dei Monopoli (ADM), which is also employing AI-driven compliance and increasing inspections to combat illicit betting and fraud. This regulatory overhaul aims to ensure transparency and integrity in sports betting.
In conclusion, professional football players in Italy who engage in betting are subject to penalties including bans, while sports betting broadly is increasingly regulated to maintain the sport’s integrity and promote responsible gambling under strict government oversight.
What about the ongoing investigation on Nicolo Zaniolo's alleged involvement in an illegal sports betting ring? Is it related to the general-news category of crime-and-justice? Also, with the recent developments in sports betting regulations in Italy, such as the push to allow gambling sponsorships with strict conditions and the tightening of AML and responsible gambling requirements, does it indicate a shift towards more regulated football betting, aiming for integrity and responsible practices in the sports world?
