Sandro Tonali ban: Newcastle set to defy UEFA with 10-month suspension close to being agreed

In recent weeks, Tonali has been in the spotlight after being accused of breaching betting rules.

The midfielder is accused of placing illegal bets while playing for AC Milan, with his agent confirming he's suffering from addiction.

Earlier this month, Guiseppe Riso said: "Sandro is playing his most important game - against betting addiction.

"He’s in shock, very sad."

He added: "He knows he made a mistake and is quite shaken.

"But he understands that he must face the matter with determination. Newcastle have always been close to him.

"He is playing the most important game of his career, that of gambling addiction, but I am sure he will win it."

​According to the Daily Mail, UEFA don't want Tonali to play while an investigation into the midfielder continues.

However, Newcastle will defy the governing body by including him in their squad for tonight's match with Dortmund.

It's said the midfielder is set to miss the next 10 months with Italian authorities set to confirm his suspension.

The player's lawyers have been in talks with prosecutors, as well as the football federation.

And an agreement is 'close' to being reached, meaning Tonali will be absent for the foreseeable future.

But with no final decision to be made until next week, Tonali is currently free to play.

During his suspension he'll be allowed to train with Newcastle, meaning the club will be able to monitor the youngster and how he fares amid his gambling battle.

Tonali won't, however, be able to play football again until August next year.

That means he'll miss the remainder of the season for Newcastle, who have been going strong in the Premier League and Champions League so far.

And Tonali is also poised to miss next summer's European Championships, too, with Italy looking to qualify as they seek to retain the title they won back in 2021.

In addition to being banned, the 23-year-old will also reportedly have eight months of therapy.

He will also be required to participate in 'anti-gambling initiatives', too.

Tonali was presented to Newcastle fans on Saturday after their stirring 4-0 victory over Crystal Palace.

Supporters made it clear how much they appreciate the Italy international, who looked visibly moved by the support he received.

And manager Eddie Howe later confirmed the gesture was his idea.

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"It sort of came to me when we were doing our walk that I wanted him to be at the front, to see the love closer up," he said.

"So it’s a big thank you from me to our supporters. That reception at the end was incredible and it was emotional.

"Sandro is going through an incredibly emotional time and the supporters reacted how I hoped they would.

"I could feel the love between him and them and that will do him the world of good, he’ll feel much better.

"The hardest part is ahead, but it’s great for him to know he’s got the support of the senior management and the supporters, they’re the most important."