Scandal in Italian football! Corrupt referees fixing matches, bets revealed where they won millions of euros

A sophisticated match-fixing network has been uncovered by Italian authorities, involving referees, entrepreneurs, and bettors.

The scheme, called “Operation Penalty” by investigators, involved influencing matches through referee corruption and controlling results to profit from sports betting.

The system was as simple as it was effective.

A referee from the Reggio Calabria section contacted his colleagues in various leagues, bribing them with amounts up to 10,000 euros for each fixed match.

On the field, these referees ensured that matches ended with a predetermined number of goals, favoring Over bets. The winnings were then shared among them and the betting network.

The scheme might have continued indefinitely if an abnormal betting flow in a Primavera league match had not been noticed.

This suspicious activity caught the attention of the Customs and Monopolies Agency, which immediately alerted the Reggio Calabria Prosecutor’s Office.

Following the report, a broad criminal investigation was launched, leading to the identification of those involved in the network.

Early this morning, the Carabinieri and Guardia di Finanza executed house arrest orders against five individuals accused of conspiracy to commit sports fraud.

At the center of the investigation is a referee operating in the Primavera, Primavera 2, and Serie C championships.

Although previously suspended by sports justice, he managed to recruit other referees who issued unfair penalties or red cards, directly affecting match results.

According to investigations, the network was funded by two Tuscan entrepreneurs, a father and son owners of a betting shop in Sesto Fiorentino, who are now under arrest.

They used unauthorized foreign platforms to place bets on manipulated matches, securing significant profits.

Authorities continue to investigate whether the network had connections to broader betting manipulation structures.

Meanwhile, the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) is expected to initiate a parallel disciplinary process against the referees involved.

“KORÇA BOOM”