Juventus starlet banned for seven months for betting breaches
Nicolò Fagioli handed 12-month ban, with five months suspended, as he is fined €12,500 for betting on football matches
Juventus midfielder Nicolò Fagioli has been handed a seven-month ban by the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) for betting on football matches.
The 22-year-old was found to have breached Article 24 of the CGS, which prohibits betting on football events organised by the FIGC, UEFA and FIFA.
The Italian was initially issued a 12-month ban and a fine of €12,500 (£10,850).
However, five months of the sentence have been suspended, with Fagioli to undergo treatment for gambling addiction and undertake community work.
As part of his agreement with the FIGC, Fagioli will have to speak about his experiences of gambling addiction in at least 10 sessions with amateur sporting associations and with groups who help those suffering from gambling-realted harm.
The Federal Prosecutor’s office will monitor Fagioli’s participation in the programme, and if he fails to complete these sessions, the office could enforce the suspended sentence.
Fagioli’s sentence comes as part of a wider investigation into gambling in Italian football by Italian prosecutors.
Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali and on-loan Aston Villa winger Nicolò Zaniolo withdrew from Italy’s training camp on 12 October after being told they were involved in the investigation.
On 17 October, while attending an event at the Italian Embassy in London, Tonali’s agent, Giuseppe Riso, revealed that the former AC Milan star is suffering from a gambling addiction.
He said: “Sandro is playing an important game against gambling addiction: he will win this one too. Congratulations to Newcastle, who have always been at Sandro’s side.
“He is in shock, he is shaken and sad. I hope that this experience saves his life and that of many others, that it helps those who fall into his same habit.”
Reports from Italian media have also claimed Tonali bet on AC Milan matches while he was playing for the club.
Footballers found to have bet on games in Italy could face a three-year suspension from the sport.
A Newcastle United spokesperson said: “Newcastle United can confirm that Sandro Tonali is subject to investigation by the Italian Prosecutor’s Office and Italian Football Federation (FIGC) in relation to illegal betting activity.
“Sandro is fully engaging with the investigation and will continue to cooperate with all relevant authorities. He and his family will continue to receive the club’s full support.
“Due to this ongoing process, Sandro and Newcastle United are unable to offer further comment at this time.”