According to the Italian FA, Zaniolo will face no gaming disciplinary action.

Zaniolo, the Aston Villa and Italy forward, was questioned by prosecutors in Turin as part of a probe into illegal gambling platforms affecting football. His legal team maintains he only used these sites for poker and blackjack, likely resulting in a fine. Betting on football is prohibited for players in Italy, carrying potential hefty bans, especially if they've bet on their own teams.

Newcastle's Sandro Tonali, an Italy international, received a 10-month ban for violating these rules, a penalty upheld globally by FIFA. Juventus' Nicolo Fagioli faced a seven-month suspension earlier this month from the FIGC's disciplinary tribunal.

 

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The news of Italian and Aston Villa forward Zaniolo being questioned by prosecutors in Turin regarding his involvement with illegal gambling platforms is certainly concerning. When it comes to Italian footballers, gambling on football is strictly prohibited, and serious repercussions can follow, especially if they have bet on their own teams.

In the case of Newcastle's Sandro Tonali, who is also an Italy international, he received a 10-month ban from football due to his involvement with illegal gambling. This suspension was globally enforced by FIFA following a ruling from the FIGC's disciplinary tribunal. The severity of the ban highlights the seriousness with which these offenses are treated.

More recently, Juventus midfielder Nicolo Fagioli received a seven-month suspension for a similar offense earlier this month. It appears that more and more footballers are being held accountable for their involvement with illegal gambling platforms, and the consequences are getting more significant.

As for Zaniolo, it is reported that he asserted his use of illegal gambling sites was primarily for poker and blackjack, which are offenses likely to result in a fine rather than a substantial ban. It is important to note that the Italian FA has announced that Zaniolo will face no gaming disciplinary action. It remains to be seen how his case will unfold, and whether the assertions made by his legal team will carry weight in determining the outcome.

These cases shine a light on the importance of maintaining the integrity of the sport. Gambling on football by players, especially in relation to their own teams, not only goes against sporting ethics, but it could potentially lead to match-fixing or other forms of corruption.

It is crucial that football authorities and law enforcement agencies continue to actively investigate and take action against individuals involved in illegal gambling activities. The deterrent effect of significant bans or fines can help discourage players from engaging in this behavior and protect the integrity of the game.