NEWCASTLE UNITED are allegedly “exploring the possibility of reducing Sandro Tonali’s wages” while he serves his betting ban.
The Italian FA confirmed yesterday that the Magpies midfielder, 23, was suspended until next August for illegal betting.
Tonali, who joined the Magpies for £60million in July, is alleged to have placed bets on matches involving AC Milan while still playing for the Italian giants prior to his exit.
Newcastle now face the prospect of being without Tonali for ten months - yet there remains a possibility he could still play tomorrow.
Toon boss Eddie Howe revealed that Newcastle have not yet had official word through from Fifa, meaning he will travel to Wolves with the squad this afternoon.
Man Utd back-up goalkeeper Martin Dubravka recalled by Newcastle
We reported this week how AC Milan could face legal action from the North East side for selling them ‘gambling addict’ Tonali.
Now The Telegraph says that “internal club discussions have already begun with lawyers” over whether the player will “remain one of the team’s top earners” while he is banned.
This update says that chiefs are prioritising Tonali’s welfare while he undergoes rehab for his addiction.
However, they are talking about potentially reducing his believed £132,500-a-week plus add-ons salary until he can play again.
Lawyers acknowledged on Thursday that Newcastle face a complex task in deciding how to respond to the ban against Tonali, who has made 12 appearances for Howe’s side.
Stephen Taylor Heath, co-head of sports law at JMW Solicitors, has stated that the club face a difficult task in achieving that.
Discussing the possibility of legal action against Milan, he said: “There is currently no public knowledge on the agreement in this particular case, but a transfer normally contains a basic structure which includes warranties from the selling club.
“These warranties could include representations that the selling team is not aware that the player is subject to any investigations of a criminal or disciplinary nature at the time of a transaction.
“If Newcastle United did believe they had a case and were to take any form of action, the transfer agreement may provide a jurisdiction and forum for the dispute to be determined.”
He also said that standard contracts in the Premier League also contain a line that states “certain obligations of a player, including the need to abide by the applicable rules and not to bring a club into disrepute”.
How Arsenal could line up against Newcastle with Arteta to name unchanged XI
Heath added: “The contract will specify the action a team can take in such circumstances, although it may be that the club and player would agree a way forward in order to enable the athlete to comply with the terms of an arrangement with the ruling governing body - in this case the FIGC - thereby facilitating a reduced ban.”
