UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin defends Gabriele Gravina and offers the FIGC President ‘complete support’ after his involvement in a dossier scandal.
Gravina has been formally investigated by the Rome Prosecutor in a case linked to a second investigation conducted by Perugia authorities. The Perugia case concerns 16 other people accused of obtaining private information about VIPs and Italian politicians through various platforms, including a database of the National Anti-Mafia Directorate.
Information about Gravina was also leaked, so the FIGC President asked to be investigated on Wednesday in order to be heard by Rome magistrates. Gravina is not only the FIGC president but also the UEFA vice president, voted by the UEFA executive committee in 2023.
Ceferin defended Gravina in an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport, providing full support to the Italian football chief.
“First of all, it’s pretty surprising that similar documents can be leaked without approval and with a breach of privacy,” said Ceferin.
“Secondly, in every democratic system presumption of innocence must be respected, I guess. I am convinced he [Gravina] will clarify everything. He has my entire support. Unfortunately, the damage is done, but we live in terrible times.”
Does this mean Gravina and Italy’s rapport with UEFA will change?
“On the contrary, I offer my complete support to Gabriele,” replied Ceferin.
“I know him well and consider him an honest person and a great football director.”
Gravina has been serving as the FIGC President since 2018 after three years as the Lega Pro president.
Of course he does …Thick as thieves!