Sporting justice lawyer Pierfilippo Capello explained exactly why Italian players are forbidden from betting on any form of footballing event, whether in Italy or abroad during a recent interview.
Gambling in Italian football has become an important topic over the course of the last week, as four top-flight players have been named as being involved in a growing betting scandal, with ‘more than 10’ others also thought to be implicated.
Those named thus far include Juventus midfielder Nicolo Fagioli, Italy internationals Nicolo Zaniolo and Sandro Tonali, as well as Roma youngster Nicola Zalewski.
In a recent interview with Sky Sport, reported via TMW, Capello explained why those players, and all players registered with the FIGC are prohibited from betting on football in any form.
“The ban on betting is a rule introduced by the federation because football is a small world, everyone knows everyone,” he said.
“To avoid any type of suspicion or temptation, an FIGC member can not bet on football.
When asked if that means just Italian football, Capello replied: “No, in general. Who’s to say that you don’t know that your former coach is off to go coach in Estonia, for example? If you like thrills, play poker or blackjack, while you’re a footballer you can’t do that (bet on football).”