Nicolo Zaniolo reaches federal prosecutor’s office in Turin, admits to illegal betting

Nicolo Zaniolo remains available for selection amidst illegal betting allegations.

Nicolo Zaniolo reaches federal prosecutor’s office in Turin, admits to illegal betting

Nicolo Zaniolo (Source: via Reuters)

Aston Villa’s Nicolò Zaniolo has admitted to using illegal betting platforms. However, the Italian also reveals he betted on poker and blackjack, not football games.

Nicolo Zaniolo recently answered all questions asked of him at Turin’s Prosecutor Office following an investigation on the player with regards to illegal betting activities. The player has maintained his stance that while he used betting platforms of an ‘illegal nature’, the betting was done for games of poker and blackjack, reiterating it was not done on football games. Lawyers involved in the case have spoken on the current situation claiming: 

We are confident to clarify this story soon.
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Since the recent revelation of the case, the player has already featured in a Premier League fixture for Aston Villa against Wolves last weekend.

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Nicolo Zaniolo and Sandro Tonali were released from the Italian training camp following allegations of the pair being involved in illegal betting activities. A story that broke out during the recent international break – Sandro Tonali has since then admitted his guilt on the subject and faces a 10-month ban from football which has been approved by FIFA. Zaniolo – on the other hand – is yet to receive a sentence and as of now has not been banned by any football governing bodies. His lawyers have clarified: 

No evidence emerged against him regarding the possibility of betting on football matches," further adding, "We are confident that our client’s legal case will be closed soon.

For now, Nicolo Zaniolo remains available for Unai Emery’s Aston Villa who take on Luton Town in their next Premier League fixture.

Nicolo Zaniolo pleads his case while Tonali receives a 10-month ban

In a story that has taken Italian football by storm, Sandro Tonali and Nicolo Zaniolo were released from the nation’s training camp following allegations of involvement in illegal betting activities. Since the breaking of the news, Zaniolo has pleaded his case for not betting on football games whereas Tonali has admitted to having a gambling problem.

Sandro Tonali and Nicolo Zaniolo
Sandro Tonali and Nicolo Zaniolo (Source: via CBS Sports)

Sandro Tonali – unlike his counterpart – has been completely banned from competitive football following illegal betting charges by the Italian Football Federation. Reports emerged that the player vented and cried following an impending decision that could see him removed from football for 10 months.

With the recent confirmation of the player’s ban confirmed by Newcastle United, the player will remain unavailable for selection till the 27th of August 2024 but for now, is allowed to train with the first-team squad.

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