The Italian Federal Prosecutor's Office has handed Juventus footballer Nicolò Fagioli a seven-month suspension for betting on football events.
Reports about Fagioli emerged last week, claiming he placed bets with an unlicensed gambling site. Italian Football Federation (FIGC) rules state athletes found betting on the sport can face bans of up to three years.
Two more Italian national team players, Newcastle United’s Sandro Tonali and Aston Villa player Nicolo Zaniolo were later revealed to be under investigation and withdrawn from selection.
According to the Italian Football Federation (FIGC), Fagioli has reached an agreement with the Federal Prosecutor’s Office. This is in line with article 126 of the CGS, which allows the subject of an investigation to apply for a reduced sanction. Fagioli will also be fined €12,500 (£10,849/$13,239)
Further reports today (17 October) say that Guiseppe Riso, Tonali’s agent, confirmed that he had a gambling addiction. Henry Winter, chief football writer at Times Sport wrote on X – formerly known as Twitter – that Riso said Tonali was “in shock, he’s very sad” at an event.
“The federation is standing by Sandro,” Riso is reported to have said. “He is playing his most important game – against betting addiction”. Riso was speaking at the Italian embassy in London.
Fagioli’s future in football
Yesterday, Serie A football club Juventus contacted Italy’s football association regarding Fagioli’s betting habits.
The FIGC says Fagioli violated article 24 of the CGS, which bans footballers and members of football clubs “from placing bets on football events organised by FIGC, UEFA and Fifa”.
Fagioli was officially disqualified for 12 months, reduced by five months to allow for “alternative prescriptions”. This means Fagioli will be mandated to partake in therapy for at least six months.
He will also have to make ten appearances at amateur sports associations, federal territorial centres and gambling addiction recovery centres.
The FIGC said the Federal Prosecutor’s Office would monitor the agreement, adding that it could be terminated if Fagioli violates it.
“The Federal Prosecutor’s Office will ensure compliance with what is indicated and, in case of violations, will adopt the measures within its competence, pursuant to the CGS, with termination of the agreement and continuation of the disciplinary proceedings before the sports justice adjudicating bodies,” said the FIGC.
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