Two Premier League players questioned by police for betting breaches, forced to leave national team camp - Reports
In recent months, the Premier League and football, in general, has taken a firm stand against betting among professional players. The latest incident involved two Italian players in the Premier League, who have been questioned by the police for their involvement in betting.
The Premier League is on its second international break of the 2023-24 season, and many of its stars have joined up with their respective national teams. Two of them, who were invited by the Italian national team, have now been forced to return to their respective clubs due to an ongoing investigation.
Aston Villa midfielder Nicolo Zaniolo and his Newcastle United counterpart Sandro Tonali were excused from the Italian national team camp by manager Luciano Spalletti. The duo had been questioned by the police over their involvement in betting during their time in Italy, according to Fabrizio Romano.
Both players moved to the Premier League this summer and received officers of the police at the team's Coverciano base, according to Daily Mail. The Italian FA released a statement afterwards, in which it was revealed that they have decided to allow both men to return to their clubs.
"Regardless of the nature of the acts, believing that in this situation the two players are not in the necessary condition to face the commitments scheduled in the next few days, the Federation has decided, also to protect them, to allow them to return to their respective clubs."
Investigations will continue as both players will hope to avoid a guilty verdict. If found guilty, they could be banned for up to three years and receive a fine as well.
Premier League has had to deal with betting cases this year
The case of Sandro Tonali and Nicolo Zaniolo will be one of interest for the Premier League due to their stance against betting. A number of high-profile players have faced investigations over their betting activities this year.
Brentford star Ivan Toney received an eight-month ban for 232 breaches of the FA's rules regarding betting between 2017 and 2021. The forward was also fined £50,000 and will only return to action in January 2024.
Similarly, Nottingham Forest defender Harry Toffolo was found guilty of 375 breaches this year and received a suspended five-month ban. West Ham star Lucas Paqueta has also been investigated this year by the FA.
Newcastle United spent a princely sum to bring Tonali to St. James's Park while Aston Villa signed Zaniolo to provide quality cover. Both sides will hope their players avoid any penalties and are proven innocent.