Calciopoli & Scommessopoli In English

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'Nobody will be abandoned' - Juventus president Agnelli vows

to stand by Conte amidst match-fixing accusations

The former Italy international is accused of failing to report two attempts to arrange

the outcome of a game during his time in charge of Siena, but the owner is behind his man.

Jul 26, 2012

Juventus president Andrea Agnelli has vowed to stand by coach Antonio Conte, defender Leonardo Bonucci, winger Simone Pepe and the two club officials implicated in the Scommessopoli match-fixing scandal.

On Thursday morning, the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) revealed the identity of the 44 players and 13 clubs under investigation as part of their enquiry into the affair.

Bonucci has been charged with sporting fraud, while Conte and Pepe stand accused of failing to report instances of match-fixing. Agnelli, though, insists that Juve intend to support all three, as well as coaches Angelo Alessio and Cristian Stellini.

"Today’s events leave a bitter taste in our mouths, which is relieved only by the awareness that, as stated by the Italian sporting authorities, the circumstances will be clarified ahead of any case," the Bianconeri supremo explained in a statement on the Old Lady's official website.

"On behalf of our club, I'd like to confirm that our full support lies with Antonio Conte, Angelo Alessio, Christian Stellini, Leonardo Bonucci and Simone Pepe.

"Juventus are a company on the Stock Exchange, but people perceive us like a team, and all those involved who have devoted work and passion to the Bianconeri’s colours have an even stronger perception.

"In teams, people help one another while fighting, losing and winning. But nobody is alone. And even now nobody will be abandoned."

The charges against Conte relate to two games involving former club Siena, the club he left for Juventus last summer.

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Conte considers plea bargain

Jul 26, 2012

Antonio Conte’s lawyer admits the Juventus Coach could offer a plea bargain after he was charged with failing to report attempted match-fixes.

The tactician had faced the far more serious accusations of sporting fraud, but his interview with prosecutors convinced them he was at most only aware of an attempted fix rather than actively involved in it during his time at Siena.

“When this whole affair began, there were much more serious scenarios painted by the sporting and civil justice systems,” lawyer Antonio De Renzis told Tgcom24.

“That scenario has been taken down a few notches and I think we are going towards a shelving of the civil charges.

“As for the sporting judges, we see that now it has been taken down from sporting fraud to simply not reporting an attempted fraud. That has again changed the scenario that had been painted.

“I think the work done during the investigation helped to show how little responsibility Conte had in the matter.”

Several clubs have already taken plea bargains to reduce their punishment and get the sporting trial over as quickly as possible. It is a route Conte could well follow.

“A good lawyer never takes anything off the table because he has to evaluate the situation. A plea bargain is one thing in a civil court and another in a sporting court.

“Everyone always said that the sporting justice system is the opposite of a civil one, as here the accused has to prove his innocence rather than the other way round. The accused must prove in some way that the accuser is lying.

“In that sense, a plea bargain would perhaps lack intellectual honesty. For the moment we are simply content to see the prosecuting scenario dropped down a few notches.”

It is big news for Conte, because he was dragged into the trial by former Siena player Filippo Carobbio, who claimed the Coach told the team in a locker room meeting that a result was ‘already decided.’

However, the other players in the same meeting denied this ever happened and Conte’s testimony also helped prosecutors to consider Carobbio’s accusations less than entirely reliable.

It could well prompt the rest of Carobbio’s testimony to be reconsidered by prosecutors, who had until now stated he was “a reliable witness.”

Conte had claimed Carobbio was implicating him because there had been a row between their respective wives.

Instead, it seems as if the prosecutors only took into account the alleged testimony of ex-Siena player Roberto Di Martino, who said he told Conte at the time that he’d turned down the offer to ‘fix’ Novara-Siena as a high-scoring match.

Conte and Di Martino are therefore accused of not reporting the attempted fix to authorities.

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Agnelli 'sadness' at betting charges

Jul 26, 2012

Juventus President Andrea Agnelli expressed “deep sadness” after Antonio Conte, Simone Pepe and Leonardo Bonucci were charged in the betting scandal.

Coach Conte and Pepe were charged with failing to report an attempted fix to the authorities at Siena and Udinese respectively, while Bonucci is charged with sporting fraud due to his time at Bari.

“Today’s events leave a deep sadness in all of us, mitigated by the knowledge that, as indicated by the leaders of Italian football, the sporting justice system will find clarity,” said Juventus President Agnelli.

“On behalf of the club I confirm our full support for Antonio Conte, Angelo Alessio, Christian Stellini, Leonardo Bonucci and Simone Pepe.”

Alessio and Stellini are members of Conte’s management staff who were also with him at Siena.

“Juventus are a club floated on the stock exchange, but for those of us who dedicate our work and passion to the Bianconeri colours, it is more than that.

“In a team you help each other out and battle. Whether you win or lose, you are never left alone. I can assure everyone that will be the case this time too.”

There are reports Conte could face a six-month ban, so Juventus could hand the bench to a surrogate tactician for that period.

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Betting scandal: The charges

Jul 26, 2012

The betting scandal today saw 44 people and 13 clubs charged, but Napoli, Lazio and Genoa are waiting for September to learn their fate.

The FIGC prosecutor announced the charges for the first phase of the trial into alleged match-fixing after a summer of interrogations.

Between Serie A, B and Lega Pro there are 44 individuals charged with various accusations ranging from sporting fraud to failing to report an attempt at sporting fraud.

These include five Serie A clubs, although only Lecce and Grosseto are accused of direct responsibility for the incidents.

All the other clubs face the charge of indirect responsibility – this means they knew nothing about the wrongdoing, but are punished because individuals within the club or squad did.

Direct responsibility is a very serious accusation, so Lecce and Grosseto could well be demoted.

The investigation is far from a complete picture, as games involving Lazio, Napoli and Genoa are still being scrutinised and charges are not expected before September.

In the current phase of the trial, the charges are as follows.

Clubs charged with direct responsibility: Lecce and Grosseto

Clubs charged with indirect responsibility: Udinese, Bari, Bologna, Portogruaro, Sampdoria, Siena, Ancona, Novara, Torino, Varese and Albinoleffe

Individuals charged with sporting fraud: Andrea Masiello, Salvatore Masiello, Nicola Belmonte, Alessandro Parisi, Leonardo Bonucci, Antonio Bellavista, Stefano Guberti, Marco Rossi, Filippo Carobbio, Daniele Padelli, Cristian Stellini (ex-Siena assistant manager), Giuseppe Vives, Pierandrea Semeraro (Lecce President), Piero Camilli (Grosseto President), Carlo Gervasoni, Mario Cassano, Edoardo Catinali, Cristian Bertani, Davide Drascek, Mavillo Gheller, Marcelo Larrondo, Roberto Vitiello, Alessandro Pellicori, Emanuele Pesoli, Ruben Garlini, Davide Bombardini, Dario Passoni, Luigi Sala, Mirko Poloni, Fernando Coppola, Claudio Terzi

Individuals charged with failing to report an attempted sporting fraud: Simone Pepe, Guido Angelozzi (former Bari director of sport), Simone Bentivoglio, Marco Di Vaio, Angelo Da Costa Junior, Antonio Conte (ex-Siena Coach), Angelo Alessio (ex-Siena assistant manager), Marco Savorani (ex-Siena goalkeeping coach), Marcello Sanfelice (Bologna team manager), Bortolo Mutti (ex-Bari Coach) and Giorgio D’Urbano (ex-Siena fitness coach)

Individuals charged with violating Article 1 on sporting fraud: Marco Esposito.

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Marotta stands by Conte

Jul 27, 2012

Director general Beppe Marotta has assured “Antonio Conte will be Juventus Coach now and in future, regardless of the outcome” of the betting trial.

Conte and several members of his staff were charged with failing to report an attempted sporting fraud while at Siena as part of the investigation into a betting scandal.

Simone Pepe was also charged, while Leonardo Bonucci was accused of the more serious sporting fraud due to his time at Bari.

“There is deep bitterness at seeing our members brought into the situation, as they are very professional and fair, so we believe in their good faith,” Marotta said at the presentation ceremony for the Serie A 2012-13 calendar.

“We have handed the reins to Conte, we’re happy with him and he will be Juventus Coach now and in future, regardless of the outcome of the sentence. We will find a solution.”

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Conte to accept plea bargain?

Jul 28, 2012

There are reports Antonio Conte could accept a plea bargain in the betting scandal, suspending the Juventus Coach for four months.

The tactician has been charged with failing to report an attempt at sporting fraud while he was at Siena – essentially knowing about an attempted fix without alerting the authorities.

Conte firmly denies this and it is a step down from the previous accusation of committing sporting fraud, which was found to be without evidence.

According to the Italian media, Juve lawyers have convinced Conte his best course of action is to accept a plea bargain.

This would be an admission of guilt – although he denies the charges – and get the matter over with quickly.

It would also represent a ban of only three to four months rather than the potential six months to a year if found guilty in a sporting trial.

His assistant manager Angelo Alessio is also charged, so Juventus would have to look elsewhere for a temporary Coach.

The most likely options are Massimo Carrera and Marco Baroni, who both work within the Bianconeri youth academy.

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Conte willing to consider plea bargain

to reduce ban in Scommessopoli scandal

The Bianconeri trainer is currently being investigated as part of the match-fixing

allegations, and is thought to be ready to comply to assure a shorter period away from the game.

Jul 28, 2012

Juventus coach Antonio Conte is thought to be ready to issue a bargain plea in exchange for a reduced ban as part of the Scommessopoli scandal in Italy, La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport reports.

The Bianconeri boss is part of the contingent of players and coaches being investigated, with the trainer accused of failing to report two instances of match-fixing.

With the ex-Siena coach facing a lengthy ban if found guilty of the charges, he is considering entering negotiations with the Italian Football Federation (FIGC).

According to the report, this would not be seen as an explicit admission of guilt from Conte, but simply represents an agreement between the parties to achieve a fair agreement and avoid the prosecution process.

The likely time away from the game if this plea bargain was chosen is thought to be three to four months, with the Serie A champions considering who to appoint as interim coach in the meantime.

Primavera trainer Marco Baroni and backroom staff member Massimo Carrera are both believed to be in consideration, but lack top-class experience.

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Conte: 'I will speak out too'

Jul 28, 2012

Juventus Coach Antonio Conte insists he is “not worried” after being charged in the betting scandal. “When I get the chance, I too will speak out.”

The tactician was charged with failing to report an attempted sporting fraud to the authorities during his time at Siena in 2010-11.

“I am and remain confident in the sporting justice system, but when I get the chance, I too will speak out,” said Conte.

“I am not worried, especially as so far nothing has actually been decided.”

There are reports he is prepared to take a plea bargain in order to get the matter over with quickly and have the potential year-long ban reduced to three months.

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Everyone at Juventus is behind Conte, Pepe and Bonucci, says Lichtsteiner

The right-back, who played in Saturday's 2-0 win over Hertha Berlin, insists everyone

at the club retains their full support in the trio, who have been implicated in Scommessopoli.

Jul 28, 2012

Stephan Lichtsteiner has asserted that Juventus are fully behind Antonio Conte, Leonardo Bonucci and Simone Pepe, who are currently under investigation for their alleged involvement in the Scommessopoli scandal.

The Bianconeri coach, along with the centre-back and winger, form part of the 44 players and coaches targeted by FIGC prosecutor Stefano Palazzi.

Conte and Pepe stand accused of failing to report instances of match-fixing, while Bonucci has been charged with sporting fraud.

However, Juve president Andrea Agnelli vowed to stand by the trio, and the Swiss full-back is the latest to pledge his support.

"Juve are a big family and we are all with the coach, Leo [bonucci] Simone [Pepe] and the other staff involved," Lichtsteiner said after the Old Lady's 2-0 victory over Hertha Berlin on Saturday.

"They are excellent professionals and have all of our support in this matter."

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Conte 'unworried' by Scommessopoli charges

Juventus coach has vowed to publicly speak about the case in the future

and insisted that he remains calm, despite facing a lengthy ban over match-fixing.

Jul 29, 2012

Juventus coach Antonio Conte has indicated that he is "not worried" that he is being investigated for his role in Scommessopoli scandal.

Conte is accused of failing to report two attempts to fix the outcome of a match during his time at Siena, with Italian sources claiming the 42-year-old is looking for a plea bargain in exchange for a reduced ban.

But with no definite decision made over whether he, as well as a number of other players, coaches and officials, will be charged, the Juve coach is calm.

"I am and remain confident in the sporting justice system, but when I get the chance, I, too, will speak out," Conte told reporters.

"I am not worried, especially as nothing has actually been decided so far."

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Conte reaches plea bargain deal to reduce ban in Scommessopoli scandal

The Juventus coach has reportedly come to an agreement with Italian authorities

to avoid the prosecution process, with the 42-year-old expected to be suspended until November.

Jul 30, 2012

Juventus coach Antonio Conte has reached a plea bargain with the Federal Prosecutor in exchange for a reduced ban as part of Scommessopoli in Italy, Ansa reports.

The 42-year-old is one of a number of players and coaches who are currently under investigation for their role in the latest match-fixing scandal hitting Italian football.

It is believed that Conte failed to report attempts to influence the outcome of two Serie B matches against Novara and AlbinoLeffe in 2010-11 when he was in charge of Siena.

According to Tuttosport, Conte's lawyers will submit the plea bargain deal to the authorities on Wednesday as the Italian coach looks to avoid a lengthy ban.

The Bianconeri boss will reportedly face a three-month ban if his plea bargain is agreed, meaning he would miss a significant number of matches into the new season, before returning to the bench only on November 1.

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Conte reportedly reaches deal on match-fixing ban

Juve boss set for three month ban, say sources.

Jul 30, 2012

Juventus boss Antonio Conte is said to have reached a deal with Italian Soccer Federation (FIGC) lawyers to accept a three-month ban and a heavy fine to order close match-fixing charges against him, ANSA sources said on Monday.

Conte, who led Turin side Juve to the Italian championship last season, is suspected of having known about agreements to fix two matches when he was in charge of Siena in the 2010-11 campaign and failing to inform the authorities.

The coach was charged by FIGC prosecutors last week along with a number of players and five Serie A clubs for different levels of involvement in betting-related match-fixing.

Juve, who extended Conte's contract by three years in May, recently said they had no plan B for the eventuality the coach would be banned as they are confident he is innocent.

Over 40 people have been arrested since the Cremona-based 'Last Bet' probe went public last year.

They include Lazio midfielder Stefano Mauri and former Italy internationals Beppe Signori and Cristiano Doni.

Italy's sporting justice system has already given out punishments related to the match-fixing at previous rounds of hearings.

Signori and Doni are among a raft of people to have been banned from soccer and Bergamo-based Atalanta had six points deducted at the start of last season and will start the 2012-13 campaign at -2.

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Conte to accept three-month ban?

Jul 31, 2012

Juventus boss Antonio Conte will reportedly accept a three-month ban rather than try to prove his innocence as part of the match-fixing probe.

Conte has been charged with failing to report having knowledge of attempts to allegedly fix two Siena games while he was in charge of the Tuscan outfit.

While the tactician has been cleared of sporting fraud, he will have to face charges that he was aware of the circumstances around the games against Novara and Albinoleffe.

The former midfielder has always maintained his innocence following the accusations made against him by his former player at Siena, Stefano Carobbio.

However, there is a risk that if he tries to clear his name and fails then he could be banned for seven months.

As a result, Conte may opt for a plea bargain that will result in a shorter sentence – a three-month ban and a €200,000 fine.

If that is indeed what occurs, Conte could miss 10 Serie A games and three in the Champions League. He would return to the bench for the Week 11 encounter against Inter.

Conte could be replaced on the bench during his absence by youth team boss Marco Baroni or assistant Massimo Carrera.

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Disciplinary Committee rejects Conte plea bargain

The coach's agreement with the prosecution has been rejected, which means

that the Bianconeri boss could be banned for a year for his role in the scandal.

Aug 1, 2012

Juventus coach Antonio Conte will face trial for his role in the Scommessopoli match-fixing scandal after the Disciplinary Committee rejected his plea deal.

The 42-year-old had reached an agreement with federal prosecutor Stefano Palazzi to avoid the prosecution process, with a three-month ban and a €200,000 fine the punishment that had been agreed for the Italian coach.

However, the Disciplinary Committee presided by Sergio Artico has turned down Conte's deal, which means that the Bianconeri boss will now go on trial and could face a year-long ban.

Conte is charged with failing to report attempts to influence the outcome of two Serie B matches against Novara and AlbinoLeffe in the 2010-11 season when he was in charge of Siena.

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Betting trial begins with Conte plea

Aug 1, 2012

The trial into the betting scandal begins today with Antonio Conte preparing a plea bargain and Leonardo Bonucci eager to push for lesser charges.

Juventus Coach Conte was accused of failing to report an attempted fix to the authorities while he was at the helm of Siena in the 2010-11 season.

Although he has always denied the charge, Conte is reportedly ready to accept a plea bargain today that will ban him for three months plus a €200,000 fine rather than risking a year on the sidelines.

It would mean tonight’s friendly against Benfica would be his last on the Bianconeri bench until November 1.

However, the rules of the ban apply only to the bench, locker room and interview area on match day.

Conte would still be able to train the team on a day-to-day basis and give talks before the squad actually get to the stadium in both Serie A and European competition.

Juve defender Bonucci has been charged with sporting fraud, a much more serious accusation, as he risks up to a three-year suspension.

It is reported the Italian international, who is under fire due to his time at Bari in 2010-11, is eager to negotiate a plea bargain for the lesser charge of failing to alert authorities.

Bonucci’s situation revolves around the testimony of former Bari teammate Andrea Masiello, who alleges he asked Bonucci to ‘throw’ the Udinese-Bari game and was immediately turned down.

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Conte plea bargain rejected!

Aug 1, 2012

In a shock move, the FIGC judges in the betting trial have rejected plea bargains from Antonio Conte and Siena, but Torino and Varese accept one-point penalties.

The trial into the match-fixing scandal began this morning with FIGC prosecutor Stefano Palazzi putting forward his requested sentences to the judges. Several were plea bargains, which the panel was widely expected to accept and ratify this afternoon.

However, the judges sensationally rejected the plea bargains as “not suited” to the charges and turned down almost all of them.

As already reported, Juventus Coach Conte offered a plea bargain of three months and a €200,000 fine set to go to charity.

Conte was charged with failing to report an attempted fix to authorities while he was Coach of Siena in 2010-11.

In the terms of the rejected plea bargain, he would’ve been unable to sit on the bench, enter the locker room or give interviews on match day until November 1, though Conte could continue day-to-day training.

The same accusations were levelled at Siena, who offered a plea bargain of a five-point penalty and a €40,000 fine.

Torino and Serie B side Varese proposed a one-point penalty with €30,000 fine and these were accepted by the judges.

Juventus lawyers have reacted angrily and are trying to have the whole trial scrapped.

They have requested that the judges be recused from the case, because by rejecting the plea bargain “you have already made your decisions and you therefore cannot judge in a trial what you have already judged. The Corte Costituzionale in 1992 ruled a judge cannot rule after he rejected an agreed plea bargain.”

The other requests rejected by the judges were:

Angelo Alessio (Juventus assistant manager), two-month ban and €60,000 fine. Giorgio D’Urbano (Siena fitness coach), four-month ban. Dario Passoni (Bolzano) and Mirko Poloni (Albinoleffe assistant), four-month ban. Marco Savorani (Siena goalkeeping coach), four-month ban.

The plea bargains accepted were:

Filippo Carobbio, four-month ban on top of previous 20-month suspension after he confessed. Carlo Gervasoni, three-month and 20 day ban on top of previous 20-month suspension after confessing. Marcelo Larrondo, three-month and 20 day ban plus €30,000 fine. Daniele Faggiano (ex-Siena director of sport), four-month ban. Da Costa (Sampdoria), three month ban and €30,000 fine. Luigi Sala (ex-Milan and Bari defender), two-year ban. Cristian Stellini, two year ban and €50,000 fine.

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Conte to agree new plea bargain?

Aug 1, 2012

It’s reported Antonio Conte could secure a different plea bargain for four months and €100,000, an increase of one month from the rejected proposal.

This afternoon there was a shock in the betting scandal when the FIGC judges rejected a proposed plea bargain of three months and €200,000 that had been agreed with the prosecutor.

It could either mean the matter will go to a full trial or a new plea bargain will be negotiated.

According to rumours from Tuttosport, the solution will be an increase on the plea bargain to four months and a €100,000 fine.

It would keep Conte off the bench, out of the locker room and the interview hall on match days until December 1, although he would still be in charge of day-to-day training.

Conte was charged with two counts of failing to report an attempted fix to the authorities in 2010-11 while he was at Siena.

The matter is further complicated by the Juventus lawyers attempting to recuse the judges from a full trial because they have “already judged” on the charges by rejecting the plea bargain.

Prosecutor Stefano Palazzi insists this is not the case and “there is no incompatibility” between judging on a plea bargain and a full trial.

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Siena accept new plea bargain

Aug 1, 2012

Siena have agreed a new plea bargain in the betting scandal for a six-point penalty and €100,000 fine, but then-Coach Antonio Conte is yet to decide his next step.

The sporting trial began this morning and the judges shocked everyone when rejecting the proposed plea bargains of a five-point ban for Siena and Conte’s three-month ban with €200,000 fine.

The magistrates complained that the plea bargains – which had been negotiated with the prosecutor Stefano Palazzi – were “not suited” to the charges of failing to alert authorities to an attempted fix.

Siena have now come back into the court room and their new offer of a plea bargain – six-point penalty and €100,000 fine – has been accepted.

It means Siena will begin the new season from -6 in the Serie A table, just as Torino and Serie B side Varese begin from -1.

The Disciplinary Commission’s judges also accepted new plea bargains for Poloni (six months), Savorani (five months and 10 days), D’Urbano (five months and 10 days), Passoni (six months and 15 days) and Albinoleffe (-1 point and €30,000 fine).

However, Conte – who is now Coach of Juventus – has not yet come forward with a new plea bargain. It’s not clear if he will opt for a different bargain, said to be a four-month ban with €100,000 fine, or go to full trial.

Conte has always stated his innocence and wanted to defend himself, but was advised by lawyers to accept a plea bargain instead.

The entire case against Conte revolves around the testimony of former Siena player Filippo Carobbio, who claims the Coach told the whole team in a locker room meeting that a result was already fixed.

The other players present at the meeting have testified to deny Conte ever said that.

Meanwhile, prosecutor Palazzi has set out his requests for those who did not seek plea bargains in the betting trial.

Bertani (three years and six months), Bombardini (three years and six months), Camilli (five years), Mario Cassano (nine months), Catinali (three years and six months), Coppola (three years and six months), Drascek (three years and six months), Gheller (three years and six months), Pellicori (three years and six months), Pesoli (three years), Terzi (three years and six months), Vitiello (four years), Ancona (€10,000 fine), Grosseto (relegation to Lega Pro and three-point penalty), Novara (four-point penalty in Serie B).

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Juventus announce media blackout

Aug 1, 2012

Juventus have announced a media blackout in protest at the decision to reject Antonio Conte’s plea bargain in the betting trial.

The Coach, who is charged with failing to report an attempted fix while he was at Siena in 2010-11, had agreed a plea bargain of a three-month ban with €200,000 fine with prosecutor Stefano Palazzi.

However, in a shock move the Disciplinary Commission judging panel rejected the plea bargain. It now remains to be seen if he’ll renegotiate a new plea or go to a full trial.

“Juventus have today enforced a media blackout,” read a statement on the club website.

“The situation will be assessed tomorrow, based on today’s facts, which are considered as, regardless of the event’s outcome, an extremely serious act concerning the honour of all subjects involved: professionals, managers, employees and the club.

“The club will make further comment tomorrow.”

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Conte goes to full betting trial

Aug 2, 2012

Juventus Coach Antonio Conte has refused to negotiate another plea bargain, so goes to a full betting trial and faces a potential 15-month ban.

The betting trial took a sensational twist yesterday when the plea bargain of a three-month ban and €200,000 fine was agreed with the prosecutor, but rejected as ‘insufficient’ by the Disciplinary Commission judges.

Conte has been charged with failing to alert two attempted fixes to authorities from his time at Siena in the Serie B 2010-11 campaign.

He has always denied knowing anything about the attempted interference from betting syndicates and was talked into taking a plea bargain by his lawyers.

This is because the justice system is one of ‘guilty until proven innocent’ when there is an accusation from someone who has confessed to another charge.

It was reported that Conte was negotiating another plea bargain with the prosecutor of a five-month ban, but the tactician stood his ground and opted to go to a full trial by pleading not guilty.

This means prosecutor Stefano Palazzi has requested a ban of one year and three months for Conte.

Ex-Siena player Filippo Carobbio claimed Conte had mentioned the ‘agreed’ results against Novara and Albinoleffe during a team meeting, but the other players who were present have testified the Coach never said that.

Siena also had their initial plea bargain rejected, but have now accepted a new six-point penalty for ‘indirect responsibility’ – as Carobbio was their player when he was in contact with the betting syndicates.

It should be noted the ban for a Coach only means he cannot sit on the bench, go into the locker room or give interviews in the Press room on match day, but he can continue day-to-day training.

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Juventus attack 'dictatorial' FIGC

Aug 2, 2012

Juventus President Andrea Agnelli has launched a scathing attack on the sporting justice system, as Antonio Conte refuses a plea bargain and will try to plead his innocence.

Conte was talked into accepting a plea bargain of four months and a €200,000 fine yesterday in the betting scandal, but the Disciplinary Commission judges surprisingly turned it down.

The Coach, who is involved due to his time at Siena and the testimony of just one player – Filippo Carobbio – has rejected a new plea bargain attempt and will go to full trial in order to prove his innocence.

In taking this route, Conte faces a potential 15-month ban. Juventus President Agnelli released a scathing statement that attacks the entire sporting justice system.

“We have realised the FIGC and its sporting justice system continue to operate outside of all logic for rights and fairness.

“For a long time and with great sense of responsibility, Juventus and its employees have maintained a relaxed and consistent attitude towards the institutions and respect for attitudes that straight away suggested a new attack was aimed at damaging the club.

“The results of these various charges show enormous contradictions and seem to protect exclusively those who committed sporting fraud. This is paradoxical and cannot be accepted.”

Carobbio’s testimony is considered credible in accusing Conte despite the fact another 23 Siena players who were in the team meeting also testified that the Coach never alluded to any fixed games.

The Italian sporting justice system is effectively set up so that one is guilty until proven innocent, which is why many take plea bargains to avoid much longer bans and a long trial process.

“Yesterday’s decision of the FIGC Disciplinary Commission to reject an offer of a plea bargain that had already been pondered and underwritten by the Prosecutor, is proof of the total inadequacy of the sporting justice system and the Federation within which it operates,” continued Agnelli.

“I must again point out the incapability this structure has of interpreting the needs of modern professional football at the highest level.

“The path of plea bargaining in order to limit the damage done by a contradictory sporting justice system clashes against a dictatorial system that robs clubs and their employees of any right to defence or honour.

“The respectability of individuals is put in danger and it is therefore up to them to make the final decision on which path to take, aware Juventus will support them in every court.

“It will be a complex and difficult season, but the concentration on performances on the field remains high with the objective to confirm ourselves as winners in May 2013.”

This betting scandal comes in the wake of the Calciopoli investigation and controversy over the intercepted phone calls involving other clubs like Inter that were not taken into consideration during the original 2006 trial.

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Conte lawyers attack Carobbio

Aug 2, 2012

Antonio Conte’s lawyers have begun their defence as the Juventus Coach goes to a full trial, risking a 15-month ban, in the betting scandal due to his time at Siena.

Conte was charged with failing to report an attempted fix to the authorities, but the only evidence against him is the testimony of ‘pentito’ (someone who has confessed and receives a large discount on his punishment by naming other names) Filippo Carobbio.

The testimony is based around a team meeting in which Conte allegedly stated there were ‘agreed’ results against Novara and Albinoleffe. However, 23 other players present at the same meeting testified he never said that.

“There is no evidence,” said lawyer Antonio De Rensis. “There is one person’s word against another. No intercepted phone calls, no evidence, no passage of money, nothing.

“I am not here to tell you Carobbio is not credible. I am here to tell you Carobbio is not the only credible one. When we are faced with an accusation and no other evidence aside from that, we have to look at the testimony very carefully.

“When Carobbio was interrogated on January 19, he did not mention Conte, nor did he remember any of his involvement. He only ‘remembered’ on February 29 when testifying before the federal court.

“His accusation is counter to Conte’s history and the 20-month-ban Carobbio got in a plea bargain proves he had interest in dragging others into it.

“The court says Carobbio is credible and Carlo Gervasoni is credible, but one says black and the other white when describing the same thing.

“Carobbio lied about other aspects of the affair, claiming he had no more contact with the betting syndicate although he was shown to have made a series of phone calls using an Egyptian SIM card. So why are you so eager to believe him?

“There were enormous contradictions and admitting would mean you forfeiting the trial. This is not justice, but a pure battle. Carobbio’s testimony on July 10 is a banana skin and the silence speaks volumes. He was not asked about the phone calls. It would’ve been the first thing I’d have asked him.”

The lawyer also made it clear the plea bargain of three months and a €200,000 fine “was agreed with the understanding it did not represent an admission of guilt in any way.”

Many in Italy accept plea bargains in order to avoid a lengthy trial and potentially much longer bans, as one is essentially guilty until proven innocent.

Meanwhile, prosecutor Stefano Palazzi explained why he requested a 15-month ban for Conte and took Carobbio’s word over those of the other 23 players at the team meeting.

“We considered those testimonies to be irrelevant, even if they contrast what was previously said about Albinoleffe-Siena.

“The declarations of those present at the Siena team meeting are not credible, because otherwise they’d be charged with failing to report sporting fraud. Therefore they cannot be used in the trial.”

Many of Conte’s supporters have pointed out if the 23 players were lying about the meeting, then why have they not also been charged with failing to report an attempted fix to the authorities?

The trial continues and a decision is expected next week.

[Socrates 8331]

Match-fixing prosecutor requests 15-month ban for Conte

Juventus coach decided against attempting to renegotiate his plea bargain agreement

and is now facing a far more severe suspension, while Andrea Agnelli was angered by events.

Aug 2, 2012

The federal prosecutor in the Scommessopoli match-fixing scandal has requested that Juventus coach Antonio Conte be hit with a 15-month touchline ban.

The Bianconeri boss had agreed a plea bargain with Stefano Palazzi which would have seen the former Italy international suspended for three months and pay a fine of €200,000. However, the agreement was rejected by the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) Disciplinary Committee.

There was an option to renegotiate the terms of the plea bargain but Conte, who has maintained he knew nothing of alleged match-fixing during his time in charge of Siena, decided against doing so, preferring instead to go to trial in order to try to clear his name.

Consequently, Palazzi has now called for a far heavier ban for the 43-year-old, based on the evidence of former Siena player Filippo Carobbio, who claimed that Conte was aware of the attempts to influence the outcome of games against Novara and Albinoleffe.

"Carobbio would have got the same penalty even if he had not mentioned Conte's name," the federal prosecutor reasoned. "So there was no element of personal animosity.

"Instead, we have shown that there is consistency in the player's statements."

Juve president Andrea Agnelli has once again vowed to stand by the man who led the Old Lady to a surprise Scudetto success last season.

"I note that the FIGC and its sporting justice system continue to operate outside of any logic of rights and fairness," the Bianconeri supremo stated on the club's official website.

"Yesterday's decision by the Disciplinary Committee of the national football federation, which refused to accept a plea bargain already agreed with the federal prosecutor, is testimony to the total inadequacy of the legal system and the sports federation within which it operates.

"I note again the inability to interpret the modern requirements of a high level of professionalism.

"Even having chosen, against every instinct of logic, the path of plea bargaining in order to limit the damage done by a contradictory sporting justice system, we are up against a dictatorial system that robs clubs and their employees of any right to defence or honour.

"The respectability of the individual is at risk and it is up to them to have the final word on what decisions should be taken, knowing that Juventus will support them at every level of court."

Two members of Conte's backroom staff, Angelo Alessio and Cristian Stellini, defender Leonardo Bonucci and winger Simone Pepe have also been implicated in the match-fixing scandal.

[Socrates 8331]

FIGC: 'Agnelli criticism unacceptable'

Aug 2, 2012

The FIGC has reacted angrily to Juventus President Andrea Agnelli’s “unacceptable” attack on their sporting justice system.

The Bianconeri patron released a harsh statement today when Antonio Conte began the betting trial, in which he risks a 15-month ban.

“The FIGC operates fairly in the full respect of the rules that guarantee the independence and autonomy of the Sporting Justice system,” read the Federation’s response.

“The evaluations of Juventus President Andrea Agnelli are unacceptable and go beyond the legitimate right to criticism.

“They also contrast with the statements he made on July 26, in which the natural sadness at the charges was – in the words of Agnelli – ‘mitigated by the knowledge the rules of the sporting justice system will achieve clarity in this match that is played in front of the various courts.’”

Agnelli’s statement today was extremely critical of the entire system, which it accused of being “dictatorial” and of protecting those who confessed to sporting fraud more than those who maintained their innocence.

[Socrates 8331]

FIGC hits back at Agnelli: His criticism is unacceptable

The governing body for Italian football stated that the Bianconeri president's

comments are beyond the pale after he accused it of operating in a dictatorial system.

Aug 2, 2012

The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) has responded to the comments made by Juventus president Andrea Agnelli about the legitimacy of the organisation's decisions.

Earlier on Friday, the Bianconeri chief publicly criticised the governing body for Italian football as coach Antonio Conte will go on trial to prove his innocence in the Scommessopoli scandal after his plea bargain deal was rejected by magistrates.

Agnelli had accused the FIGC of operating on a 'dictatorial system', and the federation has now come out to criticise the comments made by the Juventus supremo.

"The FIGC and its administrative bodies operate in the full respect of the rules which guarantee the independence and autonomy of the sporting justice," a FIGC statement read.

"The comments made by Juventus president Andrea Agnelli are unacceptable and go beyond the legitimate right to criticism.

"They also contrast with the statements he made on July 26, in which the natural sadness at the charges was - in his own words - 'mitigated by the knowledge that the rules of the sporting justice system will achieve clarity in this match which is played in front of the various courts.'"