Nicolo Fagioli has been suspended from football for seven months for breaching betting rules.
The decision to ban the Juventus midfielder was made by the Italian football federation, who handed Fagioli a 12-month ban. 5 months out of the 12 months were suspended, and Nicolo Fagioli was also slammed with a fine of €12,500.
Nicolo Fagioli suspended from football
The FIGC have expressed that Fagiolo breached rules regarding betting on events organized by them. He also reportedly placed bets on continental matches and matches sanctioned by FIFA.
It has also been claimed that the 22-year-old used multiple identities to place bets on illegal websites.
His punishment comes after Newcastle United’s Sandro Tonali and midfielder Nicolo Zaniolo were sent packing from Italy’s training camp.
The pair were dismissed from recent international matches after being informed of their involvement in an investigation conducted by Italian prosecutors.
The FIGC didn’t reveal what they are investigating in particular, but reports indicate that it is for their alleged involvement in illegal betting activities.
Reports also indicate that Nicolo Fagioli has agreed with the FIGC to discuss his punishment in about 10 sessions with amateur sporting organizations and with groups helping those addicted to gambling.
FIGC statement on Fagioli’s suspension
An excerpt from a statement released by the FIGC on their official website read:
“The footballer must participate in a therapeutic plan lasting at least 6 months and in a cycle of at least 10 public meetings at amateur sports associations, federal territorial centers, and centers for recovery from gambling addiction.”
They also emphasized that the Federal Prosecutor’s Office will ensure compliance with what has been stipulated and should Fagioli go against the agreement, there are more punishments for him.
The FIGC wrote: “The Federal Prosecutor’s Office will ensure compliance with what is indicated and, in case of violations, will adopt the measures within its competence, pursuant to the CGS, with termination of the agreement and continuation of the disciplinary proceedings before the sports justice adjudicating bodies.”
Fagioli’s absence for Juventus will be a massive worry for the Turin club, due to the unavailability of French midfielder Paul Pogba, who has been suspended for doping.
Nicolo Fagioli graduated from the academy of Juventus, and he made his debut for the Bianconeri on January 27, 2021, in a 4:0 Coppa Italia win over SPAL.
The Italian midfielder spent the entirety of the 2021/22 season on loan at Cremonese, and he made 33 appearances for the club, scoring 3 goals and providing 7 assists across all competitions.
Before his lengthy suspension which he is yet to undergo, he has made only 1 appearance for Italy, featuring for 13 minutes in the Azzurri’s 3-0 win over Albania on November 16, 2022.
Nicolo Fagioli has made 6 appearances for Juventus this term, scoring no goals and providing 1 assist across all competitions.
