Sandro Tonali has 'high chances' of playing vs Wolves despite 10-month betting ban, due to loophole

Sandro Tonali has been the subject of a 10-month ban for violating Italian betting regulations. The ban would mean the Newcastle United midfielder would be unavailable for the remaining period of the season and he will also be in line to miss out on the Euro 2024 should Italy make the cut. But a bizarre scenario has now emerged opening a number of avenues for the Italian midfielder.

3 things you need to know

• Sandro Tonali has been banned for 10 month for betting related activities
• The Italian midfielder violated Italian financial regulation
• Tonali arrived from Ac Milan in the summer

Also Read: 'He is still best in the world': Ex-PSG boss, who coached Messi, is mesmerised by Cristiano Ronaldo

Sandro Tonali facing 10 month ban for illegal betting activities

Despite Tonali's ban, a lot of confusion has been flowing in as Newcastle are reportedly yet to receive the formal paperwork for the midfielder's ban from Italian authorities. Although the FIGC president, Gabriele Gravina, has already confirmed Tonali's ban, any lack of formal notification means Tonali would be eligible to play Newcastle's Premier League encounter against Wolves.

Manager Eddie Howe insisted that the player could be available as Newcastle are yet to receive any kind of formal confirmation. 

Also Read: Harry Maguire: Stats, Goals, Records, Assists, Cups and everything to know about Man United defender

Sandro Tonali still could be available for Newcastle United

“There’s a high chance again that he could be available for us.
“I still think there’s a few things that have to happen before the ban is imposed.”

“We haven’t had official confirmation as a football club yet,” Howe said. “We’ve heard the news, sort of the speculation statement, but we haven’t had anything from the Italian authorities at the moment, so we’re sort of in limbo really, waiting for that official confirmation to come through.”

The Tynesiders have failed to replicate their last season's performance and Tonali's absence could be a major blow for Howe's side which is still searching for their redemption. The youngster came off in the second half as Newcastle lost t Borussia Dortmund 1-0 in the Champions League. 

Tonali’s agent, Giuseppe Riso also conceded the fact that his client has a gambling addiction and Tonali will also undergo a rigorous eight-month counselling to get rid of his habit.