Newcastle’s Sandro Tonali agrees to a 10-month football ban for illegal betting – but he CAN play in the Champions League tonight as final details have been sorted out

Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali is expected to be out for the next ten months as Italian authorities prepare to uphold his ban for illegal betting.

The player’s lawyers have been negotiating with the public prosecutor’s office and the football association and an agreement is imminent.

However, it is not expected to become official until Wednesday night’s Champions League game against Borussia Dortmund at St James’ Park and Tonali will be available to Eddie Howe. Any suspension will only take effect from the following day.

It is believed UEFA did not want him to be involved but were powerless to do so without confirmation of the ban from Italy.

It is vital for Tonali and Newcastle that he is able to train with the team during his suspension, which is due to last until the end of August next year. He will miss Euro 2024 and the first few weeks of the Premier League season.

An agreement has been reached for Newcastle star Sandro Tonali to serve a ten-month ban

Tonali Eddie Howe is expected to be available for Newcastle’s game against Dortmund

Tonali is expected to be able to train with Newcastle throughout the duration of his suspension

Newcastle have yet to comment on reports in Italy about a clause in the 23-year-old’s contract that states they do not have to pay him during the suspension.

However, the club is considering all legal options and its lawyers will consider whether they are entitled to compensation having paid Milan £52m for a player who has already committed betting offences, including betting on his own teams to win games .

Tonali’s suspension also includes eight months of therapy and his participation in anti-gambling initiatives.