Sandro Tonali and Nicolo Zaniolo involved in illegal betting scandal

Chirayu Parmar October 13, 2023

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Sandro Tonali Nicolo Zaniolo betting scandal — Image Courtesy: @marifcinter/Twitter

Premier League players Sandro Tonali and Nicolo Zaniolo have returned to their clubs from Italy camp after being involved in a betting scandal, in recent football news.

Furthermore, both players were questioned by police on Thursday about the alleged betting breaches. Juventus midfielder Nicolo Fagiolo has also been investigated for betting on illegal platforms.

🚨 BREAKING: Nicolò Zaniolo and Sandro Tonali have been questioned by authorities.

This happens after being accused about possible involvement in illegal betting.

Aston Villa and Newcaste players have both left Italy training camp after speaking to the police. pic.twitter.com/P2JJYPEUKL
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) October 12, 2023

The FIGC (Federazione Italiana Giuoco Calcio) confirmed that both players have left the Italy squad ahead of Euro 2024 qualifiers against Malta and England.

The police were seen at the national team’s Coverciano training center to question the players. The Italian soccer federation announced that Tonali and Zaniolo had been handed official notifications of their involvement in the Turin inquiry.

Premier League players Tonali and Zaniolo involved in betting

“The Federation announces that, in the late afternoon of today, the Public Prosecutor’s Office of Turin has notified investigative acts to footballers Sandro Tonali and Nicolò Zaniolo, currently meeting with the national team at the Federal Technical Center of Coverciano,” read a statement from the FIGC.

“Regardless of the allegations, we believe in this situation, the players are not in the necessary condition to face the commitments scheduled in the next days. The Federation has decided, also to protect them, to allow them to return to their respective clubs.”

🇮🇹 Italian Federation statement on the accusations of possible illegal betting involvement for Tonali and Zaniolo.

“The Federation announces that, in the late afternoon of today, the Public Prosecutor's Office of Turin has notified investigative acts to footballers Sandro Tonali… pic.twitter.com/GELp9Z4Psh
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) October 12, 2023

Italy host Malta on Saturday and then take on England at Wembley on Tuesday in European Championship qualifying.

Tonali joined Newcastle from AC Milan in July, while Aston Villa signed Zaniolo on loan from Turkey’s Galatasaray in August.

Despite both players recently securing moves away from Serie A to the Premier League, if found guilty, any ban would be extended to all UEFA and FIFA-affiliated competitions.

Both players will now return to their respective clubs, as the investigation regarding the illegal betting continues.

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