newcastle united Midfielder Sandro Tonali has had a prison sentence converted to a hefty fine to end a long-running illegal betting case against him and others in Italy.
Corriere Della Sera reports on the case today. They say Tonali asked for a fine of €78,250 rather than a prison sentence to drop the case.
Newcastle United star punished
The newspaper reports that sentencing has now been handed down over the case, with Tonali and Nicolo Fagioli facing prison sentences and being suspended by FIFA.
The two organizers of the case were sentenced to two years, three months and two years in prison. Meanwhile, three partners who own Milanese jewelery company Elysium Group SRL were sentenced to two and a half years in prison on money laundering charges.
That business served as a vehicle for footballers to pay off gambling debts. He would make regular bank transfers to buy luxury Rolex watches that he never collected. The watches were actually fake.
Tonali chooses penalty
Newcastle United midfielder and Fagioli were the prominent names in this case. But 18 other people including football players were also fined.
But Sandro Tonali and Nicolo Fagioli face additional punishment in the Milan criminal case. He was also accused of advertising illegal platforms to other players. There is a provision for a jail sentence of up to three months and a fine for that offence.
A plea bargain reduced it to a month, but the pair went their separate ways. While Fagioli opted for a suspended sentence, Tonali requested a fine be issued. It was assigned at €78,250 with an extended exchange rate of €250 per day.
This brings the matter to an end, giving Tonali and Fagioli a new lease of life to move forward. This could be crucial, particularly for the Newcastle man, who has been heavily linked with a potential return to Italy this summer.
