Sports law lawyer Pierfilippo Capello has explained in detail the possible sanctions that footballers Nicolo Zagnolo, Sandro Tonali, and Nicolo Faggioli of Aston Villa, Newcastle, and Juventus, respectively, could face over their alleged illegal betting. The expert also highlighted whether Newcastle United could terminate the players’ contract or even sue AC Milan.
What is the essence of the conflict
The players are currently under investigation for engaging in illegal betting using unofficial websites, although it is unclear whether they were betting on soccer matches or other events. Nowadays, many sites on the internet, like topcadcasinos.net, give free money to new players. Therefore, it is possible that young soccer players are not only betting but also gambling.
The sports justice system involves more swift action than civil justice and also provides more opportunities for plea bargains. If pleading guilty and actively cooperating with authorities, players may be granted leniency.
Despite the difficulties in summoning players to the police before an important match, Capello emphasized that players still face possible punishment over allegations of illegal betting.
The police decided to come to Coverciano’s training camp to question Tonali and Zaniolo just before an important match.
This caused a lot of controversy, but the police explained that the interrogation procedure was necessary, regardless of the status of the people under investigation. Everyone must realize that they are under surveillance, regardless of who they are.
The allegations of bets made by Zagnolo on Roma remained open to doubt
Match-fixing is the establishment of a specific result of a game, and that is why the Federation banned betting, as everyone in the soccer world knows each other and decided that such a ban would help avoid temptation and suspicion.
According to Capello, Juventus’ statement about Orlando Faggioli confirms that clubs have their own internal codes of ethics and are obliged to inform players about the rules of conduct.
Zagnolo is on loan to Aston Villa from Galatasaray, while Newcastle United spent €70 million to sign Tonali from AC Milan. In case of illegal behavior, Newcastle could immediately suspend the player, terminate his contract, and sue him for damages.
To accuse Milan of withholding information about Tonali’s betting, Newcastle would need to provide evidence that they were aware and kept quiet. However, given Italian clubs and the way they operate, this is highly unlikely.
