Il Messaggero cover the situation today and legal documents from a Milan based investigation into the matter, which details the Newcastle star’s role alongside other footballers and athletes.
The newspaper explains that a dozen footballers are ‘under investigation’ for their roles in a clandestine betting ring, which does not concern football matches.
Among the names of the footballers registered for having bet illegally are Newcastle’s Sandro Tonali, Nicolò Fagioli, Weston McKennie, Raoul Bellanova, Angel Di Maria and Nicolò Zaniolo.
Fagioli and Tonali in particular are accused of have been at the centre of proceedings, placing ‘numerous bets’ through the platforms according to the Milan Public Prosecutor’s Office.
But they are also accused of playing a role as ‘collectors of bettors’ as they were responsible for spreading and advertising the illegal platforms and acting as intermediaries for the opening or loading of gaming accounts. They also made deliveries of money on behalf of other bettors, even in cash.
This is all stated in the ‘request for preventative seizure’ of approximately €1.5m against people believed to be the organisers of the ‘illicit business’.
The Newcastle United star and Fagioli are also believed to have been ‘remunerated’ for their efforts through the recognition of bonuses on his accounts or reductions on their debts owed.
Tonali and Fagioli have already been sanctioned from a sporting point after the initial investigation in Turin but that has now been transferred to Milan, where there looking to seize assets against those responsible for creating the gambling network.
Twenty other athletes are also under investigation by the Milan prosecutors for their part, with some even sending loans to Fagioli to help pay off his debts.
