Sandro Tonali must now wait for the verdict of an independent regulatory commission to see if he will escape further sanctions after his fresh FA charge.
The £55million Newcastle United star has been charged with misconduct in relation to alleged breaches of the FA's betting rules. Chronicle Live understands that Eddie Howe and United staff are hopeful that Tonali will not see his already lengthy ban extended deeper into the 2024/25 season.
The charges that have been announced are clear and distinct from the charges in Italy. The ban Tonali is currently serving is for the bets placed during his time in Serie A with AC Milan.
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Tonali's new charge reflects the bets placed during his time under the English FA's jurisdiction and the offences date from August 12 to October 12 after he'd become and Newcastle player and while he was participating in English competition. In terms of a possible fresh sanction that will now be down to an independent regulatory commission and their view on matters.
And while it is possible they may take into account mitigating circumstances, such as the overall time period and ban served already, and that the ban may end up being concurrent, that all remains to be decided in the eyes of the FA. Given the FA's framework, it is possible that things can be backdated depending on circumstances which gives Newcastle hope that Tonali could be available to play again from August 27.
However, Tonali's fate now lies with the commission and the view they decide to take on it. Newcastle have been given until April 5 to respond today's charge and in between now and then Tonali could either admits it or try to prove the new allegations are incorrect.
Chronicle Live understands that the FA have offered no early assurances that Tonali will escape a further or extended ban as the process in place must be followed. Once Newcastle respond and the outcome is reached, with no date in sight, a full report will be issued to the public that will include written reasons for any potential sanctions.
A Newcastle statement read: "Sandro continues to fully comply with relevant investigations and he retains the club's full support.
"Due to this ongoing process, Sandro and Newcastle United are unable to offer further comment at this time."
Tonali continues to be free to train with his team-mates at the club's Benton base.
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