Professional soccer is continuing to deal with allegations of prohibited legal sports betting.
A group of Italian soccer players are expected to be included in an investigation related to the improper use of online betting sites, according to the Associated Press. The probe, which is by Italian prosecutors in Turin, includes more than a dozen players in Serie A — Italy’s top-flight soccer league. The investigation also includes Premier League players Sandro Tonali and Nicolò Zaniolo, who have returned to their clubs after being questioned by Italian authorities.
"Regardless of the nature of the events, considering that the two players are not in the necessary condition to face the matches scheduled for the next few days, the federation has decided, also for their protection, to allow them to return to their respective clubs," said the Federazione Italiana Giuoco Calcio — Italy’s soccer federation — in a statement.
Players found to have improperly used betting sites could face up to three years of suspensions.
Growing trend
The investigation in Italy adds to a growing list of betting infractions by athletes.
Brentford striker Ivan Toney was suspended for eight months in May for the prohibited use of UK betting sites. Toney, who is banned from playing in matches until January 2024, admitted to more than 230 violations of the Football Association’s betting rules. The FA’s betting rules prohibit players from wagering or providing information that could be used to place bets.
The rules have also impacted Nottingham Forest defender Harry Toffolo, who has been charged with 375 betting violations that occurred over a three-year period between January 2014 and March 2017. As a result of the charges, Toffolo was handed a five-month ban by the FA.
Alleged betting infractions have also trickled down to professional soccer in America.
Earlier this year, Colorado Rapids midfielder Max Alves was suspended by the team while the Brazil native was under investigation by MLS over the illegal use of online betting sites.
The investigation into Alves comes after Brazil prosecutors charged 16 people, including other professional soccer players, for alleged match-fixing. The alleged scheme involved 13 matches in Campeonato Brasileiro Série A and Série B — Brazil’s top-flight leagues.
