The investigation into betting on illegal platforms in Italy expanded its scope last Friday (11), including the Argentine world champions, Angel Di María and Leandro Paredes. The information is from Folha.
The case, which previously resulted in severe punishments for Italian athletes Sandro Tonali and Nicolo Fagioli, now involves 12 more players.
According to information released by the news agencies Ansa and AGI, Italian authorities are investigating the use of clandestine platforms by several athletes during the period between December 2021 and October 2023.
The bets, according to the investigation, were mainly concentrated on sports such as poker and other sports.
Players under investigation
Alessandro Florenzi, currently at AC Milan, and Nicolò Zaniolo, who plays for Fiorentina, had already been included in the list of those under investigation in 2023, when the case initially came to light.
After a detailed analysis of Tonali and Fagioli’s mobile devices, as well as their statements, several other Juventus players and ex-players came under the radar of the authorities. Among them are:
- Weston McKennie
- Mattia Perin
- Angel Di Maria (currently at Benfica)
- Leandro Paredes (currently at Roma)
- Raoul Bellanova (Atalanta)
- Samuele Ricci (Torino)
Possible penalties related to illegal betting
The aforementioned athletes could face fines of 250 euros (approximately R$1,619 at the current exchange rate) and, additionally, are subject to disciplinary proceedings conducted by the Italian Football Federation.
It is worth remembering that Tonali, who currently plays for Newcastle, and Fagioli, who at the time played for Juventus and now plays for Fiorentina, have already served suspensions of ten and seven months, respectively, imposed in October 2023.
However, authorities have yet to officially confirm the names of the players who are currently under investigation.
International context
It is important to note that Di María, who won the World Cup with the Argentine national team in Qatar in 2022, now plays for Benfica in Portugal. His compatriot Paredes currently plays for Roma in Italian football.
The investigation represents another chapter in the efforts of Italian authorities to combat illegal betting in sports, especially when it involves professional athletes. It also raises questions about the conduct expected of high-profile players and the potential consequences for their careers.
