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We should suspend football for two to three years because of corruption, says Italian PM
The police investigation into Scommessopoli resulted in Domenico Criscitio being withdrawn from the Italy squad for Euro 2012, while Lazio captain Stefano Mauri has been arrested
May 29, 2012 5:10:00 PM
By Mark Doyle
Italian Prime Minister Mario Monti has suggested suspending football for two to three years in light of the latest corruption scandal to rock the Italian game.
Just six years on from Calciopoli, the country is now coming to terms with an elaborate match-fixing plot which on Monday resulted in police making an early-morning raid on Italy's training base at Coverciano to search the room of left-back Domenico Criscito.
The dramatic developments in Florence have now prompted Monti to call for drastic action.
"The news these days about the state of football causes a deep sadness and it seems that a chilling scenario is now unfolding," he told reporters on Tuesday.
"In recent years we have seen so many shameful phenomena: we have recently witnessed an invisible blackmail of omerta, with the players of Genoa kneeling down in the face of who knows what kind of threats from hidden forces, and I also find it unacceptable that public money has been used, and is still being used, to settle the debts of football clubs.
"In light of such events, I am launching a proposal that is not a proposal of my government, but simply me thinking aloud: I wonder if a suspension of two or three years would not help this game."
Zenit defender Criscito was subsequently withdrawn from Italy's squad for Euro 2012 because of his involvement in an alleged attempt to fix a game involving former club Genoa.
1982 and 2006 all over again - Scommessopoli the latest in a long line of pre-tournament Italian match-fixing scandals
Just six years after 'Calciopoli', the Azzurri's preparations for a major international tournament have been overshadowed by allegations of corruption within the domestic game
29 May 2012 10:00:00
By Mark Doyle | Italy Expert
At 6.25 on Monday morning, police entered Italy’s training base at Coverciano with a warrant to search Domenico Criscito's room as part of their ongoing investigation into Scommessopoli, the latest match-fixing scandal to hit Italian football. Shortly before midday it was confirmed that the Zenit left-back had been withdrawn from the Azzurri’s provisional squad for Euro 2012. By late afternoon, Criscito’s international colleague Leonardo Bonucci had been implicated in the affair.
Criscito has vowed to clear his name, while Bonucci’s club, Juventus, have rallied around their defender, as well as coach Antonio Conte, who has been accused of being aware of a plot to fix a Serie B game against Novara during his time in charge of Siena.
However, in terms of the Italian game's image, the damage has already been done. And the fear now is that there is more to come. As legendary Italian coach Giovanni Trapattoni told La Gazzetta dello Sport: “If the magistrates are doing something, it is because there is some truth in this."
Sadly, that is a view shared by all and sundry. Indeed, perhaps the only shocking thing about Monday's events is that they are not in the least bit shocking. The early-morning raid at Coverciano has been met with resignation - not surprise. There is nothing new going on here. As Goalcom outlines below, this is all embarrassingly familiar ...
TOTONERO (1980)
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The first major betting scandal in Italian football, which broke in 1980, centred on two Rome-based businessmen, Massimo Cruciani and Alvaro Trinca. At the time, betting on individual games was illegal but tolerated, and the pair, who were close with several members of the Lazio squad, felt that there was money to be made by bribing players to influence the outcome of games. Cruciani and Trinca discovered, though, that fixing matches is far from straightforward because there are so many variables and the duo quickly ran up massive debts to unforgiving bookmakers.
Rather ludicrously, Cruciani and Trinca felt that they had been defrauded by players they had paid to fix a result and even tried to blackmail the Italian Football Federation into paying off their creditors before then going to the courts and the press. After quickly realising they would not be viewed as the innocent victims in this particular case of sporting fraud, both tried to abscond, but Trinca was arrested on March 7 before Cruciani turned himself in five days later.
The pair, who had kept records of all of their illicit dealings, then spilled all and the ample evidence they provided led to the arrest of some prominent club officials, including AC Milan president Felice Colombo, and a total of 33 players - many of whom were taken into police custody as they left the field of play during league games on March 23.
Paolo Rossi's involvement understandably attracted great media attention and the Italy international was suspended for three years as the sporting authorities came down hard on everyone found guilty of wrongdoing, with both Milan and Lazio relegated to Serie B. However, Rossi’s suspension was ultimately cut to two years, which rather handily allowed him to represent Italy in the 1982 World Cup, which, of course, he did with some distinction. In addition, everyone indicted was subsequently acquitted of all criminal charges because, at the time, there was no such thing as ‘sporting fraud’, meaning that, in effect, no crime had been committed.
TOTONERO BIS (1986)
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Consequently, it felt like a glorious opportunity to clean up the Italian game had been squandered - and so it proved, as a remarkably similar match-fixing scandal unfolded in 1986; so similar, in fact, that it was christened 'Totonero bis' (Totonero II). The principal difference was that this time around, the controversy would not inspire the Azzurri to World Cup glory, as their defence was ended in the second round by European champions France.
However, Lazio were again heavily involved and they were relegated, and although initially demoted to Serie C1, they were ultimately allowed to remain in Serie B on appeal, albeit with a nine-point penalty. While Serie A duo Bari and Napoli were both implicated, they were cleared of any wrongdoing. Udinese, meanwhile, were relegated from the top flight but they managed to overturn that ruling. However, the Zebrette were still hit with a nine-point deduction and that proved decisive as they would be go down the following summer after finishing eight points from safety.
Perhaps, in hindsight, the most noteworthy ruling concerned that of Napoli, though, as not only were they acquitted, their controversial sporting director Italo Allodi was also cleared of all charges. Allodi was infamous within European footballing circles for allegedly attempting to bribe referees. However, he was also the man responsible for helping a certain Luciano Moggi take his first steps on the way to becoming the most powerful man in Italian football ...
CALCIOPOLI (2006)
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‘Lucky Luciano’ was the principal protagonist in the biggest football scandal of the modern era. Indeed, while the affair is widely referred to as 'Calciopoli', that the term 'Moggiopoli' is also employed by some only serves to emphasise just how big a part the former Juventus general director was said to have played in the proceedings. However, it is important to remember that while the investigation centred on recorded telephone conversations involving Moggi, officials from four other Serie A clubs - AC Milan, Fiorentina, Lazio and Reggina - were also sanctioned for their respective roles in trying to influence games with the appointment of ‘favourable’ referees.
Milan, Fiorentina and Lazio were all initially relegated, with Juventus demoted to Serie C1. However, after a series of appeals, only the Bianconeri were forced to drop down a division, to Serie B, and they made light of their nine-point penalty (whittled down from 30 points) to secure a return to the top flight at the first attempt. Meanwhile, Milan, after initially being excluded from the Champions League, went onto win the competition.
The fallout from Calciopoli is still being felt, of course, with Inter having subsequently been implicated in the scandal, and evidence having emerged that made a mockery of the initial sentences. Juventus have also caused a stir by celebrating their ‘30th’ Scudetto success this season, even though they were stripped of two titles because of Calciopoli.
In truth, it has been demoralising to see and hear clubs and supporters partaking in such one-upmanship in recent weeks, just as it was bewildering to immediately hear optimistic talk of the galvanising effect this latest scandal might have on Cesare Prandelli’s Italy squad ahead of their Euro 2012 campaign. As evidenced by the World Cup triumphs in 1982 and 2006, tournament victories do nothing to resolve the longstanding and deep-rooted corruption at the heart of the Italian game. In circumstances such as these, where even the fans stand accused of trying to pressure players into fixing games, there really are no winners, only losers.
Stopping Italian football is not the solution, says FIGC president Abete
The head of the governing body said that those who cheated must be punished, but stated that he will not consider bringing the country's competitions to a halt
May 29, 2012 10:59:00 PM
By Luis Mira
Italian Football Federation (FIGC) president Giancarlo Abete has said that he is not considering the possibility of stopping football in the country.
Italian Prime Minister Mario Monti made a stunning revelation on Tuesday as he stated that Italian football should be stopped 'for two or three years' as a result of the latest scandal involving match-fixing, which has implicated Zenit St Petersburg defender Domenico Criscito and Lazio skipper Stefano Mauri, among others.
However, Abete believes that Monti's suggestion must not be carried out, and spoke of the importance of football in Italy.
"I agree that there should not be a discount for those who cheated," Abete is quoted by ANSAas saying.
"But stopping the leagues would mortify all of football, penalise all those who are honest at what they do, which comprises the majority of our system, and lose thousands of jobs.
"That is not the solution. Besides, professional football does not receive a single euro from public funds.
"It is funded by private resources and commercial revenues, then pays €1.1 billion a year to the government."
Italy's preparations for Euro 2012 were rocked when Criscito's room was raided at dawn by police.
Buffon defends right to free speech after controversial Scommessopoli comments
The Azzurri goalkeeper suggested earlier this week that it is only natural that teams sometimes agree to play out a draw if such a result benefits both parties
May 30, 2012 3:15:00 PM
By Mark Doyle
Italy captain Gianluigi Buffon has defended his right to free speech after causing controversy with his comments on Scommessopoli.
The Juventus goalkeeper intimated earlier this week that it is only natural that teams will sometimes agree on a draw if a point suits both sides, a view which was not well received in light of the ongoing investigation into match-fixing within the Italian game.
Buffon, though, declined the opportunity to hit back during a press conference at Coverciano on Wednesday, but did declare that he was standing by his comments.
"I will not tell you what I'm thinking about the controversies that have arisen after my statement," he explained.
"I can only say that it has been the umpteenth confirmation that those who have a clear conscience are not free to express their thoughts.
"Criticism is also normal, but the right to express one's thoughts should always be preserved. Anyway, like I always have done, I take responsibility for my comments."
Buffon also responded to Italian Prime Minster Mario Monti's suggestion that football should be suspended for two to three years in light of the latest corruption scandal.
"I think that a suspension would mean penalising the majority of players who are without blame," the World Cup winner argued.
"The important thing is to make the right distinction between abnormal behaviour and criminal behaviour."
Buffon insisted that the controversy, which has drawn comparisons with the Calciopoli scandal which overshadowed Italy's 2006 World Cup success, will not have an adverse effect on the Azzurri's preparations for Euro 2012.
"The national team, like me, is arriving at Euro 2012 with great desire to win and hoping that if we do well all this controversy will go away," he admitted.
"The atmosphere in the dressing room is good, I see [Mario] Balotelli and [Antonio] Cassano doing very well."
Italy have been drawn in the same group as defending champions Spain, Giovanni Trapattoni's Republic of Ireland and Croatia.
Zamparini: Monti should be ashamed for suggesting Serie A be suspended
The Rosanero owner slammed the solution put forward by the country's premier, stating that he should think about his measures that are 'destroying' the nation
May 30, 2012 7:21:00 PM
By Jeremy Lim
Italy prime Minister Mario Monti had no idea what he was talking about when he suggested Serie A should be suspended following the Scommessopoli investigations, according toPalermo president Maurizio Zamparini.
Police had earlier arrested 19 people, including Lazio captain Stefano Mauri, on Monday in relation to the latest match-fixing probe into the alleged rigging of Serie A and B games.
Juventus coach Antonio Conte also had his house searched, while Domenico Criscito was withdrawn from the national team after his room at the Azzurri's Euro 2012 training base was raided.
Monti caused controversy by branding events "shameful", and suggested that the sport should be suspended in order to put an end to the foul play plaguing the game, a proposition Zamparini shot down.
"The only thing shameful about this country is when someone says something like what Monti has said," Zamparini told assembled reporters at a press conference.
"This man is a hopeless entrepreneur. Before he says that we have to stop the game of football, he should think about his problems and all that he is destroying and shutting down with his measures.
"Will a stop of two to three years benefit the game? Unlikely. Monti should think before he speaks."
Scommessopoli could further affect the Cesare Prandelli's Euro 2012 preparations, given that stand-by defender Leonardo Bonucci was also reportedly implicated.
Conte knew Siena president Mezzaroma asked us to lose, reveals Carobbio
The Juventus coach could find himself further implicated in the match-fixing scandal rocking Italy, despite constant denials by both himself and his former club
May 30, 2012 6:32:00 PM
By Jeremy Lim
The extent of Filippo Carobbio’s allegations against Juventus boss Antonio Conte have begun to circulate in the Italian press, with his deposition to investigators claiming that the coach was aware of alleged match-fixing involving Siena's president Massimo Mezzaroma.
The midfielder was detained by police last December as part of the ongoing Scommessopoli investigations into the match-fixing of several Serie A and B matches in 2010-11.
He claimed in his testimony that Mezzaroma sent a messenger down to the locker room to ask the players about the possibility of losing so he could win money on a bet, something the coaching staff, then including Conte, were aware of. Nevertheless, Carobbio and co then went on to defeat their opponents 5-0, while Siena and Conte have now moved to officially deny the player's allegations.
However, Carobbio's claims, given to investigators in Cremona, were damning of Mezzaroma.
"Before the Serie B match between Siena and Varese, president Mezzaroma sent someone close to him to the locker room to ask about the possibility of losing the game.
"That person then went on to say the president had wagered on our defeat.
"I later learned from our assistant coach that the coaching staff also knew of this arrangement made by Mezzaroma," Carobbio revealed.
Conte, who led Siena to promotion to Serie A that campaign, had his house ransacked by police as part of the investigations on Monday. If Carobbio's statements are proven, the coach could be ascribed on the charge of failing to report Mezzaroma's misdeeds.
Questions raised over Buffon payments to bookmaker
The Juventus goalkeeper is said to have handed over 14 cheques worth a total value of €1.5 million to a Parma-based tobacconist and betting shop
May 31, 2012 6:30:00 PM
By Mark Doyle
The Guardia di Finanza has revealed that it has raised questions over payments made by Italy captain Gianluigi Buffon to a bookmaker.
According to a document released by Italy's financial law enforcement agency, the Juventus goalkeeper made out 14 cheques to a Parma-based tobacconist, which also serves as a betting shop, over a nine-month spell. The report claimed that Buffon handed over approximately €1.5 million to the owner.
While gambling on sporting events is legal, Buffon, as a member of the Italian Football Federation, is forbidden from placing wagers on any games sanctioned by the FIGC, Fifa or Uefa.
However, it is not yet known whether any of the money was for gambling purposes, or if indeed the former Parma player's alleged bets were placed upon other sports, which he is entitled to do.
The Azzurri star's lawyer has stated that the cheques were merely "transfers designed to protect Buffon's personal assets."
The Guardia di Finanza checks, which are being carried out by the Turin Prosecutor, are not related to the Cremona-led enquiry into match-fixing that earlier this week resulted in Italy left-back Domenico Criscito having his room searched by police.
The news, though, comes in the wake of Buffon's criticism of the Italian press for what he believed was sensationalist coverage of the Scommessopoli scandal.
Speculation remains rife that the Juventus defender has also been implicated in the match-fixing scandal, but he has not yet received confirmation of such from the authorities
May 31, 2012 7:19:00 PM
By Mark Doyle
Italian Football Federation (FIGC) vice-president Demetrio Albertini has explained thatLeonardo Bonucci has not been withdrawn from the national team squad for Euro 2012 because he is not under investigation by the Cremona Prosecutor in connection with Scommessopoli.
Domenico Criscito was dropped from Cesare Prandelli's provisional panel on Monday, just hours after having his room at the Azzurri's training base at Coverciano searched, and his agent revealed on Thursday that he wanted to know why Bonucci had not been axed as well.
However, while it was reported earlier this week that the Juventus defender had been implicated in the match-fixing scandal, Albertini has stated that the centre-half has not been formally contacted by the authorities.
"Leonardo Bonucci has not received any notice from the prosecutor to the effect that he is under investigation," the former Italy international told ANSA. “The situation was different for Criscito, who received such a notice."
Bonucci, who has been capped 13 times by his country, is currently preparing for the Azzurri's final warm-up game for Euro 2012, against Russia on Friday night.
The goalkeeper's attorney lamented the timing of the reports and declared that there is no evidence that his client engaged in any illegal betting activities
Jun 1, 2012 12:16:00 AM
By Luis Mira
Gianluigi Buffon's lawyer has taken a swipe at Italian media, saying that his client has been the victim of an "ambush".
Italian reports claimed on Thursday that the Juventus goalkeeper had made over €1.5 millionin payments to a Parma-based tobacconist, which also serves as a betting shop.
The purpose of the transaction is still unknown, but he would be breaking the rules of the Italian Football Federation if it was proven that that he had bet on matches sanctioned by theFIGC, Fifa or Uefa.
However, Buffon's lawyer has questioned the timing of the report after the shot-stopper hadslammed the local media at a press conference, and insisted that the Italy captain did not engage in any illegal activity.
"The hypothesis of betting and abnormal movement of money was not picked up by any investigation by the Financial Police in 2010," Marco Valerio Corini told Radio Mana Mana.
"This is a strange timing: Gigi is bitter about the ambush against him after his press conference at Coverciano.
"Who says that those payments were made for betting purposes? Because these two people, a goalkeeper and the owner of a betting shop, operated together, then the purpose of their transaction had to be to make illegal bets?
"That argument is very poor, because they have known each other since Gianluigi was in Parma's youth team, and their friendship can be linked to commercial transactions, such as real estate.
"These are false news that trigger a media bomb that has no criminal value, as confirmed by investigators in Turin. The prosecutor also has denied involvement.
"I would be very surprised if Buffon was interrogated. The prosecutor cannot pay attention to every suspicion when there is no evidence.
"If there is evidence that there were bank transfers between two subjects, that does not necessarily mean that there was a crime."
Buffon had criticised the Italian press for sensationalising the coverage of the ongoing Scommessopoli scandal.
Buffon's bank transfer was for 20 Rolex watches and not sports betting, reveals lawyer
The World Cup winner is said to have handed over €1.5 million to a bookmaker but his legal counsel has claimed that there is no evidence that his client placed a single wager
Jun 1, 2012 6:20:00 PM
By Mark Doyle
The lawyer of Gianluigi Buffon has dismissed the suggestion that the Italy captain is guilty of illegal gambling, revealing that one of the payments he made to a Parma betting shop was for 20 Rolex watches.
According to a document produced by the country's financial law enforcement agency on Thursday, the Juventus goalkeeper made out 14 cheques, worth approximately €1.5 million, to the owner of the tobacconist over a nine-month period.
As a member of the Italian Football Federation, Buffon is forbidden from gambling on any games sanctioned by the FIGC, Fifa or Uefa, but his lawyer has stated that there is absolutely no evidence that his client placed bets of any variety.
"The most significant bank transfer, dating back to September 13, 2010, concerns the purchase of 20 Rolex watches, which have been in Gianluigi's safe for months," Marco Valerio Corini told Radio Radio TV.
"A purchase that is compatible with his income and one that is written in the random bank transfer. What else should he do? We can show that every payment was not related to sports betting."
Indeed, Corini is dismayed that Buffon is even under suspicion, claiming that there is no evidence of wrongdoing on the part of the World Cup winner.
"If we want to get to the facts, it is not a criminal process or a sporting law interest," the lawyer argued on Sky Sport24.
"There is nothing that can be shown that Buffon has bet. These are economic transactions between two people who have known each other for years, one of whom also runs a betting shop.
"From there, there is no doubt that they could not be real estate transactions or otherwise; one thinks that they must necessarily be bets and what's more, illegal. But there is not even any proof that it is a bet.
"Buffon has been and is always available in a frank, loyal and cooperative manner."
The news that Buffon's transactions were under investigation came just days after the veteran launched a stinging attack on the nation's media for their coverage of the Scommessopoli scandal.
Lawyer reveals Mauri gambling: He likes to bet on the NBA and tennis
The man representing betting agency owner Luca Aureli admitted the Lazio man frequently placed wagers on sporting events, but denied any suggestion of illegality
Jun 2, 2012 2:40:00 PM
By Daniel Edwards
A lawyer representing a close friend and gambling associate of Stefano Mauri has revealed his passion for betting on high-profile sporting events, while dismissing any charges that the Lazio captain is involved in the current match-fixing scandal that has enveloped Italian football.
The Lazio midfielder, 32, was arrested earlier in the week along several other high-profile players, as part of an investigation into a ring of match-rigging that has been dubbed Scommessopoli. The charges are related to the activities of a Malaysian national named Tan Seet Eng, who was detained in 2011.
Speaking on Saturday, attorney Simone Colangeli - who represents Luca Aureli, the owner of a betting agency and allegedly a close personal friend of Mauri - explained that the Lazio man was fond of gambling, but that allegations of match-fixing were baseless.
"The Lazio captain, out of fear of compromising his personal reputation and public image by being labelled a gambler, asked his friend Luca Aureli to bet on NBA games and on tennis with the utmost discretion in the Rome betting halls," reads a press release from Colangeli.
"To do this through Luca Aureli, Mauri received a sim card bought by his partner, Samantha Romano. It seems obvious that, were this intended for use in illegal betting Aureli would never have obtained a sim card for him that could be so easily traced.
"Telephone contact with the Lazio captain has always been frequent, owing to the fact that Aureli is bound to him by a close bond of friendship totally unrelated to gambling, and he denies any relationship with the 'gypsies': underlining that there has been no unusually high activity in his betting agency."
Mauri has been with Lazio since 2006, and has appeared 11 times for the Azzurri.
Conte is accused of failing to report alleged match-fixing involving Siena in 2010-11.
UPDATED AUG 1, 2012 9:42 PM ET
Juventus coach Antonio Conte is facing up to a long ban from football after the Italian Football Federation rejected a plea bargain deal.
Conte is accused of failing to report alleged match-fixing involving Siena when he managed them in the 2010-11 Serie B season.
The club's plea bargain deal was accepted, meaning they will start the new Serie A season with a six-point deduction, but Conte's proposal - which would have seen him serve a three-month suspension and pay a fine of 200,000 euros - was turned down.
He will now have to either submit a new offer or face a sports tribunal, with either option likely to lead to a longer ban.
Charges against Conte of direct involvement in match-fixing were dismissed last week but, having originally denied all charges, he later tried to reach a compromise deal over failure to report the alleged misdemeanours going on within his team.
Siena saw an initial proposal of a five-point penalty rejected, but a second offer of six points was approved.
President Massimo Mezzaroma told the club website: "The plea bargain allows us to finally turn the page, as we all want.
"This penalty should be a further incentive for everybody.
"We will demonstrate on the field that we can earn our salvation, even starting with this initial handicap, thanks to our values and our ability to overcome difficulties."
The club also saw striker Marcelo Larrondo banned 16 weeks and fined 30,000 euros, while goalkeeping coach Marco Savaroni and fitness coach Giorgio D'Urbano will serve 23-week bans.
Serie A newcomers Torino, Serie B side Varese and relegated Albinoleffe will pay fines of 30,000 euros and begin the season with one-point penalties after their plea bargains were also accepted.
Lower down the league pyramid, Grosseto were relegated from Serie B and docked three points, Novara were penalised four points and Ancona were fined 10,000 euros.
Conte handed 10-month ban in Scommessopoli scandal
The Old Lady boss has been hit with a lengthy suspension for his role in the match-fixing ring, but Leonardo Bonucci and Simone Pepe have both been acquitted
Aug 10, 2012 7:37:00 AM
The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) has announced that Juventus coach Antonio Conte has been suspended for 10 months due to his involvement in the Scommessopoli scandal.
The 43-year-old has been found guilty of failing to report attempts to influence the outcome of two Serie B matches against Novara and Albino Leffe in the 2010-11 season, when he was in charge of Siena.
He had previously reached a plea bargain deal with prosecutor Stefano Palazzi over a three-month ban, but the agreement was rejected by the FIGC's Disciplinary Committee.
Furthermore, Angelo Alessio, Conte's assistant at both Siena and Juventus, has been handed an eight-month ban for his involvement in the match-fixing probe.
Lecce and Grosseto have both been relegated from Serie B, while the presidents of both clubs have been suspended from all football activities for five years.
However, Juventus duo Leonardo Bonucci and Simone Pepe are among the players who were acquitted due to a lack of evidence, with veteran striker Marco Di Vaio also walking away unscathed.
I told the truth during Scommessopoli investigations, says Atalanta full-back Masiello
The Italian, who was handed a lengthy ban for his participation in the match-fixing scandal, insists he did not give false information to prosecutors
Aug 12, 2012 4:29:00 PM
By Livio Caferoglu
Atalanta right-back Andrea Masiello has no qualms with his 26-month suspension from football, after declaring that his conscience is now clear following the conclusion of the Scommessopoli verdict.
The defender was found guilty of match-fixing during his spell at Bari between 2006 and 2008, but had been accused of contradicting his story when he stood for trial earlier in the month.
Nevertheless, he insists he did not lie to prosecutors and is now at ease with himself, having told the truth for his role on six counts of foul play.
"I have a conscience," Masiello told Corriere dello Sport. "I am totally at peace with myself for having told the whole truth."
Meanwhile, Torino midfielder Giuseppe Vives has spoken of his happiness at being acquitted from the scandal, which also saw former club Lecce relegated to Lega Pro for their involvement in the scandal.
"I'm very happy, after all this mess," said the midfielder, who can now look forward to a campaign in Serie A with the Granata.
"At the height of my career, I've been living a nightmare that has thankfully ended. I must thank my lawyers, my family, Torino and my agents."
Pesoli chains himself to FIGC headquarters after receiving three-year ban in Scommessopoli scandal
The defender is protesting his punishment for his role in the current Italian match-fixing probe, and demands a face-to-face meeting with the key witnesses in the case
Aug 11, 2012 11:05:00 AM
By Stefan Coerts
Former Siena defender Emanuele Pesoli has chained himself to the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) headquarters in Rome in order to protest his three-year ban for his involvement in the Scommessopoli scandal.
The 31-year-old was severely punished for his role in the match-fixing probe as he was found guilty of committing sporting fraud, and Pesoli has now chained himself to the body's offices as well as going on a hunger strike.
The defender, who signed with Verona earlier this summer, is demanding to meet face-to-face with key witnesses Carlo Gervasoni and Filippo Carobbio, who were not available for questioning in court by the accused parties.
“I want a confrontation in the courts on this injustice so I can defend myself properly,” Pesoli told reporters.
“My only mistake was answering that damn phone call when they asked me to sell the game. But I said no! I am innocent and I will prove it.
“This is a strong protest, but they are ruining my life for something I didn’t do. Before I am forced to give up football, I want to fight with all my strength.
“I will wait here for someone from the FIGC, hopefully President Giancarlo Abete.”
Pesoli's suspension was based on the same evidence that saw Juventus coach Antonio Conte banned for 10 months on Friday.
Fifa extend Juventus manager Antonio Conte's 10-month ban to all possible games
The chairman of football's governing body Disciplinary Committee has extended the sanction on the Bianconeri coach to have a global worldwide effect
Sep 14, 2012 2:28:00 PM
By Paul Mullin
Juventus manager Antonio Conte has had his 10-month ban extended to cover all games including friendlies.
The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) earlier this year gave him the ban for alleged match fixing violations but on Friday FIFA’s disciplinary committee in accordance with article 136 of the FIFA disciplinary code have had this ban extended to cover all types of matches, including domestic, international, friendly and official fixtures.
The final decision on whether to extend the sanctions imposed on the 43-year-old by the FIGC will follow the outcome of any potential appeal, as long as the appeal complies with Fifa regulations.
Fifa are currently reviewing additional documentation provided to them by the FIGC which relates to other sanctions issued by the Italian Football Federation deciding bodies which could mean further penalties.
The decision to extend Conte’s ban follows other global sanctions handed out by the chairman of the Fifa Disciplinary Committee to individuals in Finland, Croatia, Korea Republic, and Turkey since February of this year.
Juventus start their Champions League campaign against Chelsea next week where technical director Massimo Carrera will take charge.
