Roma published a statement to defend two of its players, Nicola Zalewski and Stephan El Shaarawy, cited in rumors about the sports betting case that shook Italian football.
“In reference to the rumors circulated in recent days regarding the alleged involvement of our players in the sports betting case, AS Roma gives its full support to Nicola Zalewski and Stephan el Shaarawy,” the club stated in a statement.
Club statement. https://t.co/qXTCnjE6nh
— AS Roma English (@ASRomaEN) October 19, 2023
Roma denies sports betting rumors
According to Roma, Zalewski and El Shaarawy are “unfair victims of persistent rumors that have a negative impact on their reputations.”
“The club has full confidence in Nicola and Stephan as they claim to have nothing to do with this case,” the statement concluded.
For several weeks now, Italian justice has been investigating clandestine sports betting platforms and revealed that prominent players have registered with them.
Amid the scandal, the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) opened proceedings against midfielders Nicolò Fagioli, from Juventus, and Sandro Tonali, from English Newcastle.
The FIGC suspended Fagioli for seven months and continues to investigate Tonali.
The FIGC suspended Fagioli for seven months and continues to investigate Tonali, who acknowledged having made sports bets on football games, especially Milan, the club he defended until the last transfer window, in the middle of the year.
According to Fabrizio Corona, known as the “king of the paparazzi”, who revealed the case, dozens of Serie A players were involved.
About AS Roma
Founded on June 7, 1927 by Italo Foschi, with the merger of the clubs Alba, Fortitudo and Roman. Currently, it competes in the first division of the Italian Championship.
Currently, it competes in the first division of the Italian Championship.
In its 96-year history, it participated in practically all Italian elite championships (with the exception of 1951-52), winning three editions of the Italian Championship, nine editions of the Italian Cup and two editions of the Italian Super Cup.
He competes with Lazio in the Derby della Capitale, being considered the second biggest rivalry in Italian football, second only to Milan and Internazionale.