LONDON: Newcastle’s hope that midfielder Sandro Tonali would feature this weekend against Wolves was dashed after confirmation that international federation FIFA has extended his 10-month ban worldwide.

The 23-year-old was banned by the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) on Thursday for breaching betting rules.

Newcastle manager Eddie Howe has said on Friday morning that Tonali was still in contention to play as the club had not yet received confirmation of the ban.

But on Friday evening FIFA said it had granted a request by the FIGC to have the ban extended worldwide.

The FIGC said the Italy midfielder had breached a rule that prohibits players placing bets on football events organised by FIGC, UEFA and FIFA and he has also been fined 20,000 euros (£17,380).

It added that the federal prosecutor and Tonali had agreed to an 18-month disqualification, eight months of which will be commuted to “a therapeutic plan” to help “recovery from gambling addiction”.

Reports have suggested Tonali will still be able to train with Newcastle despite the ban, but Howe said “we don’t know” if that is the case.

Tonali joined Newcastle from AC Milan in July for £55m, becoming the Magpies’ second-most expensive signing.

The Newcastle boss said the club had no knowledge of any potential betting breaches when they signed him.

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