Tonali Could Face Wolves With 10-Month Ban Yet To Be Ratified By FIFA
Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe says Sandro Tonali could be available to face Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday despite being banned for 10 months over betting breaches.
Tonali was handed his punishment on Thursday by the Italian Football Federation for betting on matches involving AC Milan while still a player for the Rossoneri.
But world football governing body, FIFA, is yet on ratify the decision, leaving Tonali and the Magpies in a state of limbo.
Magpies head coach Eddie Howe said: “It’s a difficult one because we haven’t had official confirmation as a football club yet.
“We’ve heard the news, the statement, but we haven’t had anything from the Italian authorities at the moment, so we’re in limbo, really, waiting for that official confirmation to come through.”
Asked if there was a chance the Italy international could be involved at Molineux, Howe added: “Yes, I think there’s a high chance again that he could be available for us.
“I still think there are a few things that have to happen before the ban is imposed, so let’s see.”
Tonali joined Newcastle from AC Milan this summer for £55m and has scored once in 12 appearances across all competitions.
