An Italian soccer player is dealing with the ramifications of prohibited legal sports betting.
Juventus midfielder Nicolo Fagioli has been banned from playing in matches for at least seven months due to breaching betting rules of the Federazione Italiana Giuoco Calcio — Italy’s soccer federation. The punishment, which was made in agreement with Italy’s federal prosecutor’s office, gives Fagioli a total 12-month ban. The 22-year-old can have five months of the ban suspended if he completes a six-month therapeutic plan and attends at least 10 public meetings.
"I thought I would begin by apologizing not only to Juventus fans but to all fans in the world of football and sport for the naive mistake I made," Fagioli said in an Instagram post.
Fagioli will also be required to pay a $13,235 fine due to his betting on matches sanctioned by FIGC, UEFA, and FIFA.
His punishment adds to an ongoing investigation related to the improper use of betting sites by more than a dozen players in Serie A — Italy’s top soccer league.
The betting probe also includes Premier League players Sandro Tonali and Nicolò Zaniolo. Newcastle United confirmed on Wednesday that Tonali is the subject of an investigation by the Italian prosecutor's office and Italian Football Federation.
"Sandro is fully engaging with the investigation and will continue to cooperate with all relevant authorities," read a statement from the club.
Part of a bigger problem
Fagioli’s ban from soccer adds to a growing list of betting-related incidents for the sport.
In May, Brentford striker Ivan Toney was handed an eight-month ban for the prohibited use of UK betting sites. Toney, who is barred 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 mandates also caused Nottingham Forest defender Harry Toffolo to be handed a five-month ban by the FA. Toffolo has been charged with 375 betting violations over a three-year period.
Brazilian soccer is also dealing with illicit betting by players. Earlier this year, Brazilian prosecutors charged 16 people, including professional soccer players, for alleged match-fixing. The alleged scheme involved matches in Campeonato Brasileiro Série A and Série B — Brazil’s top soccer leagues. As a result of the probe, Colorado Rapids midfielder Max Alves was suspended while the Brazil native was under investigation.
