A scandal hit the Italian sporting world when it was revealed that many of the Italian soccer players were involved in illegal betting platforms, including their own sport. Among the accused were Sandro Tonali, Nicolo Zaniolo, and Nicolò Fagioli.
After all three were investigated, it was revealed that they bet several times on illegal platforms. Both Fagioli and Tonali have been banned from all football activities for 7 and 10 months, respectively. But it looks like Zaniolo could avoid a lengthy ban, as his lawyers have found a loophole.
Nicolo Zaniolo to potentially avoid same fate as Tonali
The young attacker, who plays for Aston Villa and the Italy national team, has already been interviewed on Friday. But the 24-year-old may not have to face any ban at all. This is because his lawyers have found a loophole in all the accusations he faces.
They have pointed out that while Zaniolo has used illegal betting platforms, he never used it to bet on soccer games. He only used it to play poker and blackjack, and this information could be crucial to avoid a ban. He may still have to pay a hefty fine for it, but a ban is now unlikely.
Sandro Tonali, who made the move to Newcastle United this summer, was given a 10 month ban this Thursday. The ban was reinforced by FIFA yesterday, which means he can’t play anywhere in the world. Juventus midfielder Nicolo Fagioli was the first one to be banned earlier this month, for 7 months. Both of them were given lessened bans due to cooperating with the Turin prosecution team. They will also receive help to help them with the gambling addiction.
Betting on soccer games is forbidden for the players, as it hurts the integrity of the sport. Any players found guilty face lengthy bans, and more so if they do it on their own games, which Tonali has been found guilty of.
Nicolo Zaniolo still in Aston Villa plans amid investigation
Both his club Aston Villa and coach Unai Emery strongly supported Nicolo Zaniolo throughout the whole process. They put complete faith in the player and helped him throughout the investigation process. They tried to limit all the noise from the scandal from the player and encouraged him to keep playing his best football.
He was not present in the last few matches due to being investigated over the allegations but is now firmly in the club’s plans. As he will not be banned, it is expected that he will be included in the next games for the club. The Italian had only joined this summer on a loan deal from Turkish giants Galatasaray.
What’s your take on the ongoing situation with Nicolo Zaniolo? Let us know in the comments.
