Illegal gambling soccer investigation includes U.S. star
Published:
Apr 15, 2025
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05:28 p.m.
ET
Key Points:
U.S. soccer star Weston McKennie is among 13 current/former Serie A players under investigation in an Italian illegal online gambling probe.
McKennie is not accused of betting on soccer matches but reportedly used illegal online platforms for poker and other sports betting.
Players allegedly funneled gambling debt payments through fake purchases from a Milan jewelry store as part of a laundering scheme.
Criminal penalties are minor (maximum €250 fine), but disciplinary action from the Italian Football Federation could include suspensions.
The investigation follows previous high-profile cases (Tonali, Fagioli) and adds to a long history of soccer betting scandals.
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Another gambling-related controversy involving professional athletes has emerged from Italy and involves high-profile names in the soccer world, including U.S. Men’s National Team star Weston McKennie. As Italian prosecutors expand their probe into illegal online gambling among Serie A players, concerns over player welfare, betting regulation and the spread of gambling addiction in sport have taken center stage.
Details of Illegal gambling investigation in Italian soccer
Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie is one of 13 current or former Serie A players under investigation for using illegal online betting platforms. The probe stems from 2023 testimonies by fellow professionals Sandro Tonali and Nicolò Fagioli, both of whom received lengthy suspensions after admitting to placing illegal bets, which included wagers on soccer matches. Tonali, now at Newcastle, was banned for 10 months, while Fagioli, now on loan at Fiorentina, received a seven-month suspension and began therapy for a gambling disorder.
McKennie, 26, is a prominent U.S. soccer player, who has represented the U.S. Men’s National Team 60 times, and has a resume that includes stints at Schalke and Juventus. Unlike Tonali and Fagioli, McKennie is not accused of betting on soccer matches. The current investigation is tied to illegal online poker and other sports betting, but not match-fixing.
Milan prosecutors are piecing together evidence that points to disguised transactions, where players paid gambling debts through bank transfers masked as purchases from a Milan jewelry store. In one case, they were invoiced for Rolexes they never received as a front to launder payments to the betting operators.
Italian media named Tommaso De Giacomo and Patrick Fizzera as the ringleaders of the illegal platforms, and these two individuals reportedly extended lines of credit to athletes. When debts grew too large, players were directed to the store to “pay” for luxury items.
What are the potential punishments for these players being investigated?
The potential criminal punishment for players under investigation like McKennie is considered minimal (a fine of up to €250), but the fallout on the sports side could be far more damaging. The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) has been handed the investigation files and may decide to impose disciplinary sanctions based on violations of the sport’s code of conduct.
Tonali and Fagioli, for instance, accepted therapy and education as part of their plea deals, which is an acknowledgment that problem gambling is as much a mental health challenge as it is a legal issue.
If McKennie and others are found to have knowingly used illegal platforms or contributed to their promotion, they may face suspensions, public scrutiny and even reputational damage that could affect their careers.
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Other notable soccer sports betting scandals in history
The current investigation is just the latest in a long history of betting-related scandals in football:
In 1964, English football took a reputational hit when three Sheffield Wednesday players were jailed for conspiring to fix a match against Ipswich Town. A syndicate orchestrated by former player Jimmy Gauld had been bribing players to fix matches, so they could profit from betting on predetermined outcomes.
The Totonero Scandal (1980) saw Serie A and Serie B players and clubs involved in match-fixing to manipulate betting outcomes. AC Milan and Lazio were relegated to Serie B, and stars like Paolo Rossi banned for participating in illegal betting rings.
The 1990s “Floodlights Affair” involved Malaysian betting syndicates disrupting English matches mid-play to preserve betting outcomes. West Ham United and Crystal Palace were both victims of incidents, and the scheme was uncovered in 1999 when the syndicate tried to bribe a Charlton Athletic groundsman to tamper with the floodlights, leading to arrests and the exposure of the plot.
The Calciopoli scandal emerged in 2006 and brought down top Italian clubs, including Juventus, AC Milan and Fiorentina with revelations of referee manipulation for competitive advantage. Juventus was relegated to Serie B and the stripping of two Serie A titles, and the scandal led to widespread reforms in Italian football’s governance.
In 2017, then-Burnley player Joey Barton was banned for 18 months on betting charges, which accused him of having placed 1,260 bets on football matches between 2006 and 2013. The number included at least five matches in which he was a player.
More recently, West Ham midfielder Lucas Paquetá was investigated in 2023 for spot-fixing, allegedly manipulating in-game yellow cards for betting payouts involving acquaintances. The investigation halted his potential transfer to Manchester United.
Problem Gambling treatment and resources
Gambling in sport is no longer just a legal issue, it’s increasingly recognized as a public health concern. Players are vulnerable to the same psychological traps that affect millions of people worldwide: the adrenaline rush of a win, the shame of a loss and the spiral of “chasing” losses to try to recover financially. In professional environments filled with pressure, wealth and secrecy, these factors can become even more dangerous.
Rather than treating athletes solely as offenders, it’s important that they are also offered care and rehabilitation if exhibiting signs of a gambling problem.
The trained professional therapists at Birches Health know that problem gambling doesn’t discriminate; it can affect anyone, from elite athletes to everyday individuals. That’s why their programs are rooted in evidence-backed approaches and personalized plans.
Birches offers insurance-covered therapy tailored to each individual’s needs. Birches Health’s team of counselors understand the psychological and behavioral patterns behind gambling addiction, and they work with you, confidentially and compassionately, to build healthier habits and reclaim control.
If you or someone you care about may be struggling with gambling, there are multiple ways to connect with Birches Health:
Call 833-483-3838
Email help@bircheshealth.com
