The Sandro Tonali situation has been the main focus of football news in recent weeks and it seems that it will continue to dominate headlines as Newcastle explores potential legal actions related to whether the player has harmed the club’s reputation. Although it’s understood that the Magpies are supporting the Italian player, who has accepted a 10-month ban for involvement in illegal betting, they are also considering options that could include reducing his wages.
There is currently no publicly available information regarding the specifics of the agreement in this case. However, typical transfer agreements often include assurances from the selling club, such as representations that they are unaware of any ongoing criminal or disciplinary investigations involving the player at the time of the transfer. If Newcastle United believes they have a case and decides to take legal action, the transfer agreement may outline a jurisdiction and forum for resolving the dispute.
The Premier League’s standard player contract also imposes certain obligations on players, including compliance with relevant rules and refraining from actions that would damage the club’s reputation, as stated by Stephen Taylor Heath, co-head of sports law at JMW Solicitors.
While it would be regrettable if Newcastle were to pursue legal action, it’s understandable that they may seek to recover some of the £155,000 per week that Tonali is set to earn during his suspension. Additionally, they may investigate whether AC Milan had any prior knowledge of issues related to Tonali before selling him to the Magpies.
Despite the relatively short time he has spent at St. James’ Park, the 23-year-old has already become a beloved figure among both the team and the fans. In a recent Premier League game, his teammates pushed him to the forefront during a lap of honor so that he could receive the support of the Toon Army before his ban became official.