Italian Football Sees Another Round of Betting Integrity Concerns

Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie is one of 13 players in Italy now being linked to illegal online gambling. The situation comes after earlier investigations into similar behavior by Nicolo Fagioli and Sandro Tonali, both of whom have already served suspensions.

Good to know

• Weston McKennie is now part of a growing group of players linked to illegal betting platforms in Italy
• Players involved could face fines of €250 but won’t be banned unless they bet on football matches
• Sandro Tonali, already banned in 2023, is again connected to a gambling-related investigation

Authorities are looking into whether players used unlicensed betting platforms for games like poker and roulette. These platforms operate outside Italy’s regulated system, and some players may have helped promote them to others in exchange for benefits.

The latest developments are based in part on a deposition from Fagioli. He said he had introduced other players to illegal betting sites after being told he would receive advantages for bringing in more users.

“I pointed out to (former Aston Villa forward Nicolò) Zaniolo illegal sites where he could make online bets, on roulette or poker,” said Fagioli. “The organisers of the sites had told me that they would give me some advantages if I brought other bettors.”

Both Fagioli and Tonali are included in the new round of investigations. Fagioli was previously banned for seven months in 2023. Tonali received a 10-month ban from Italy’s football federation and later a two-month suspension from the English FA, along with a €20,000 fine.

The current investigation focuses on casino-style betting rather than sports matches. Unless any of the players placed bets on football games, no bans are expected. The only penalty would likely be a €250 fine from Italian authorities.

Even though match betting isn’t involved, football officials and clubs are concerned about how often these gambling issues keep surfacing.

Sandro Tonali has once again been pulled into controversy. His earlier punishment included time in rehab and missing out on the 2024 Euros. Despite the setbacks, Tonali said the experience changed him. He also used the time to help support problem gamblers.

“Before these 10 months, before the last year, I don’t know, but it’s a little bit different because I was another person,” he told SkySports. “I was two different people in my life and in football. And now I am only one person, only one.”

Tonali has since returned to football and spoken about leaving his past behind, but this new investigation adds pressure once again.