Newcastle seek clarity over Sandro Tonali’s worldwide ban as a FIFA translation appears to state he cannot train with the club – despite word from Italy suggesting the midfielder CAN continue training at St James’ Park

Newcastle are seeking clarity over Sandro Tonali’s worldwide ban after a translation issue caused concerns over his eligibility to train with the first-team. 

It was confirmed last week that Tonali had been banned from competitive football for ten months in a massive blow to Eddie Howe’s high-flying side. 

Initial reports suggested Tonali was at risk of a 12-month ban after claims he had bet on AC Milan matches while on their books, before his £52million summer move to Newcastle.

However, his admission of guilt and willingness to seek treatment for what his agent calls a ‘gambling addiction’ is believed to have helped him reduce the ban.

As part of the reduced ban, the midfielder had been expected to be free to train with Newcastle during his suspension, however there are now doubts as to whether that is the case.

There is confusion over whether Tonali is allowed to train with the Magpies during his ban

Confusion over the matter remains after a FIFA translation appeared to state that he, in fact, can not train with Newcastle.

The Tyneside club will now seek clarity over the matter but remain confident that he will be eligible to train once the issue has been resolved.

Tonali, who joined the Magpies from AC Milan for £55million, will be ruled out for the rest of the season after reaching a plea bargain over his betting scandal.

Italian FA chief Gabriele Gravina confirmed an agreement had been reached for a 10-month ban, including eight months of therapy, and praised Tonali’s collaboration in the process.

He was fined €12,500 (£10,850) and also agreed to a therapy plan of at least six months to tackle his gambling problem. 

Tonali was named on the bench for Newcastle’s Champions League tie with Borussia Dortmund

Brentford’s Ivan Toney received a similar ban and was only allowed to return to training after four months, out of the eight month suspension, had been served 

Juventus midfielder Nicolo Fagioli also received a seven-month ban for betting breaches.

In May, Brentford striker Ivan Toney received an eight-month betting ban and only returned to training after four months of the suspension was served. 

Toney was hit with the hefty ban and a £50,000 fine after accepting 232 breaches of the FA’s betting rules.

As part of the punishment he was unable to train with his club for the first half of the ban but worked hard away from Brentford and was recently pictured training alone ahead of a significant step on his comeback trail.