The FA is looking into whether banned midfielder Sandro Tonali broke betting rules after joining Newcastle in the summer.
Tonali, 23, was suspended for ten months by the Italian Football Federation in October for betting on Brescia and Milan matches.
The ban was implemented globally.
He moved to Newcastle from Milan for £55 million in July, and the FA is looking into whether he was involved in football betting after that.
Meanwhile, Magpies sporting director Dan Ashworth stated that he did not know if Milan were aware of the betting charges when he was sold.
“It’s really difficult for me to get into what other clubs do or don’t know,” said Ashworth.
“All we can do is examine our own internal investigation and process.” It’s a difficult question for me to answer because I simply don’t know.
“It was a huge shock, a huge surprise.” We were all unfamiliar with how to deal with it. It appeared out of nowhere.”
In response, Milan told the BBC that they learned about the charges through the media and only know what has been reported.
Tonali had only made 12 appearances for Eddie Howe’s side prior to the suspension, which will keep the Italy international out until the start of the next season.
Tonali and the federal prosecutor reached an agreement on a plea bargain, which means that eight months of his ban will be commuted to “a therapeutic plan” to aid in “recovery from gambling addiction.”
Tonali is expected to make at least 16 public appearances in Italy, where he will speak to young players about the dangers of gambling.
Tonali can train with his Newcastle teammates despite not being able to play in any games.
“Sandro will train with the team and stay connected to the team, possibly coming to watch games,” Ashworth said.
“It’s critical that he feels a part of the club; it’s critical for his mental health.” [He] will not be spending much time away from the club [in Italy].
“There is a regular program that includes some visits to Italy.” He will return for a few days at a time, but not for a month.
“He’s back in the gym. Sandro is, first and foremost, a human being. Everyone in this room has done things we wish we hadn’t done or regret. Our first priority is to care for and support him.
“He’s probably having a harder time than anyone else.” We have a program to help him, and he is able to train with the team, which is great for his mental health. We’re putting together a plan for what he can and cannot do in the coming months to get him back in the air by August.”
Ashworth refused to say whether Tonali’s pay will be reduced during his suspension.
“Any player’s contract situation is private and confidential,” he told reporters. “All I can say is that Sandro has been outstanding and fully collaborative since this happened.”
“Sandro is a great person, and this is a difficult situation for him to deal with.” He believes he has let himself down.”
According to the Magpies’ sporting director, the club is unsure whether a direct replacement will be signed in the January transfer window for the second half of the season.
“We’ve got quite a number of midfield players and players who can play in different positions,” he added. There are several options available to us. It may not be a direct replacement for Sandro.
“It could be a player who can play multiple positions or a player who can play multiple positions.” It’s possible that young Lewis Miley will get more playing time and come to the fore between now and January.”
