The Italian football landscape has once again been under the dark clouds in a game scandal. Just as the sport began to recover from high -profile suspensions to Sandro Tonali and Nicolo Fagioli for games on football matches, a New wave of investigations been launched, this time involves At least 12 Series A -Players accused of using illegal gig and poker platforms.
Initiated by Prosecutor’s OfficeThis broader probe seems to have been triggered by information collected from the previous cases involved in Tonali and Fagioli. Authorities examined digital evidence from the couple’s units and found links to other individuals allegedly involved in illegal gaming activity between December 2021 and October 2023.
But what has made headlines all over the world is not just the scope of investigation – it is the name involved. Among those reviewed are Argentina International’s who played with Lionel Messi at the World Cup 2022and one American Star is currently picking his trade in Italy.
From the World Cup proximity to legal problems
Angel di Maria and Leandro ParedesBoth integrated into Argentina’s World Cup-winning squad, are now part of the investigation. Di Maria, who recently played for Juventus and is now with Benfica, and Paredes, currently at Roma, is said to have been involved with the illegal platforms during their time in Italy.
To go with them is Weston McKennieThe US national team Standout and current Juventus midfielder, which is also displayed in Milan’s prosecutors’ files. As others implied, McKennie is accused of games through unauthorized sitesnot investing in football itself – a crucial difference during both Italian criminal justice and Sports regulations.
“The football players are facing minimal risk and can solve the matter by paying fines,” reported Tend. “The most important reviews come from Sporting Justice.”
According to prosecutors, while Tonals and beans was accused of actively marketing and enabled others to use these platforms – even benefit from it – the rest of the players are considered “only players.” However, this has not prevented the investigation from taking a bizarre turn.
What is next – will players be punished?
What makes this scandal especially unusual is how some players reportedly paid their gaming debts. Investigators claim that athletes Where directed to a jewelry shop in Milanwhere they would do Bank transfers disguised as purchases for luxury watches. But Rolexes and Designer Timepieces never left the store –The invoices were fake and served only as a coverage to tread money in the gaming ring.
“The players were extended credit by the illegal player organizers, but when the debt was too great … they would seem to pay for Rolexes and other luxury watches,” mentioned Corriere della sera.
Despite the dramatic details, the actual legal consequences may be less in the Criminal Court. Under Italian law the maximum fine is for such activity 280 $. But that does not mean that all players are outside the hook.
The Figc (Italian Football Association) will now receive the documents and decide if there are any Sports punishment are eligible. So far, players like Nicolo Zaniolo—So under Investigation – sescaped ban because they did not invest in football without Each case will be examined individually.
The survey is said to approach, and although it is unlikely that any of the players will face suspension without evidence of football games, Serie A’s reputation has already taken a new hit.
