NEWCASTLE SAYS TONALI IS BEING INVESTIGATED FOR ILLICIT GAMBLING.

Newcastle United’s Italian midfielder Sandro Tonali is being investigated for illicit betting, according to the Premier League club.

Tonali joined Newcastle in July from AC Milan for a reported value of 70 million euros (74 million USD), a record fee for an Italian player.

In Italy, legal and sporting authorities are looking into football players’ usage of illegal betting platforms.

“Newcastle United can confirm Sandro Tonali is subject to investigation by the Italian Prosecutor’s Office and Italian Football Federation (FIGC) in relation to illegal betting activity,” the club said in a press release.

“Sandro is fully cooperating with all relevant authorities and is fully engaged in the investigation.” He and his family will continue to receive full support from the club.”

On Tuesday, Juventus’ Nicolo Fagioli earned a seven-month penalty as part of a settlement with the FIGC for violating match betting rules. Prosecutors in Turin are looking into Fagioli for allegedly betting on illegal websites.

Newcastle stated it couldn’t speak further because the investigation into Tonali is still underway.