Both the Turin Prosecutor and FIGC are investigating Nicolò Fagioli for alleged betting breaches and the Juventus midfielder could face harsh consequences on a sporting level if found guilty.
The original investigation started from the Turin Prosecutor’s office. Investigators scanned accesses and transactions on illegal online platforms and Fagioli’s name emerged among those of the suspected illicit bettors.
Fagioli’s lawyers informed the FIGC as soon as their client was placed under investigation.
“As lawyers for Nicolò Fagioli, we can confirm that our client is facing the situation with a sense of responsibility, with utmost transparency and collaboration with the sporting and civil justice authorities,” they said on Wednesday.
“This is confirmed by the fact he was first to swiftly inform the prosecutor of the situation. Nicolò is calm and fully concentrated on Juventus and this season.”
Consequences on a criminal level are not expected to be harsh if Fagioli is found guilty of betting through illegal online platforms. The Juventus midfielder would probably be punished with a fine, but things are different from the sporting perspective.
Professional footballers, coaches and staff members are prohibited from betting on any platform, including legal ones.
Article 24 of the Code of Sports Justice claims they can’t gamble on ‘official events organised by FIGC, UEFA and FIFA’ and ‘can’t place or receive bets, directly or indirectly.’
It is not yet clear what events Fagioli placed bets on and whether this was a violation of the sporting justice code of ethics. According to Il Corriere della Sera, the 22-year-old has admitted to investigators that he gambled on football events, but not those of his current and former clubs.
If a sporting trial occurs and Fagioli is found guilty, the 22-year-old could receive a fine higher than €25,000 and be suspended for up to three years.