Illegal betting by players is becoming an increasingly common problem in the football world. Scandals related to betting and fixing continue to come to light, which leaves the sport in a bad light, as it goes against its spirit.
The most recent case is that of Brazilian Lucas Paquetá, from West Ham, who could face a lifetime ban. The Hammers player would have deliberately gotten himself cautioned so that his friends could win money on bets.
In this context, we tell you which players have been suspended for incurring these serious offenses:
In March 2020, the England striker was suspended for illegal betting. The former Liverpool, Manchester City and Chelsea player was suspended from all activities and financially sanctioned after providing “insider information” to his brother to bet on his next club. This happened in 2018. The player appealed and was sanctioned until 2020. He went from a two-week suspension to four months.
This is one of the most notorious cases. Sandro Tonali, Newcastle United midfielder, was banned in October 2023 after being accused of placing between 40 and 50 bets, four of which involved his own team. Tonali will not be able to play until August 27, 2024 for breaking betting rules.
In September 2023, Nottingham Forest player Harry Toffolo was suspended for five months after the English FA sanctioned him for committing 375 betting offenses between January 2014 and March 2017.
The English striker from Brentford was sanctioned for having bet on 232 occasions between 2017 and 2021. On 126 occasions, he bet on games in which his team participated. The English federation initially sanctioned him with a 15-month suspension, but reduced his punishment to eight months after he admitted the facts and after being diagnosed as a gambling addict.
In October 2023, Juventus player Nicoló Fagioli was banned for seven months for a betting case. The promising player acknowledged that he gambled illegally and reached a plea deal with prosecutors. The player had to undergo therapy for at least six months and a financial fine.
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