Newcastle midfielder, Sandro Tonali, is facing a lengthy ban from football after admitting to betting on AC Milan matches while a player at the Italian club.

Sonali, in a hearing at the Italian Federation in Turin on Tuesday, October 17, admitted to making bets on AC Milan to win games.

He admitted to betting on matches – both in which he played and didn’t play – for Milan to win.

The 23-year-old midfielder was one of the players named in an Italian football betting probe last week, and was withdrawn from the senior men’s squad for last night’s defeat to England.

According to FIFA Code 26, conduct such as this can see players face up to a three-year ban from worldwide football.

According to Sky Sports, Tonali is likely to face a lesser, but still lengthy ban for his help with the investigation – and for admitting his guilt.

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Tonali, who signed for Newcastle for £55 million from AC Milan in the summer, is expected back in Newcastle on Wednesday.

On Tuesday, Tonali’s agent admitted the player had a gambling problem and said he faces the biggest challenge of his career.

Newcastle face Crystal Palace at home on Saturday.

Also on Tuesday, Juventus midfielder, Nicolo Fagioli, the first player named in the probe, was served a seven-month ban for betting on football.

He self-reported himself, while Tonali did not.

Fagioli had five months of a one-year ban suspended and was fined 12,500 euros (£10,848), while he agreed to a therapy plan of at least six months to tackle his gambling problem, the FIGC announced.

In a statement on its website, the governing body said the 22-year-old midfielder violated the rule “that prohibits betting on football events organised by FIGC, UEFA and FIFA”.

The Star