At least 12 Serie A players, including American Weston McKennie, are under investigation in Italy for using illegal betting and poker platforms, mainly for gambling on sports other than soccer. The alleged activities occurred before 2023 and involve former Juventus player Ángel Di María and Atalanta’s Raoul Bellanova, among others.
The probe revealed that players paid off gambling debts through bank transfers to a Milan jewelry store, pretending to purchase Rolex watches that were never actually taken—essentially using the store as a front to settle debts. Two illegal betting operators and three jewelry store managers are also implicated.
While players like Sandro Tonali and Nicolò Fagioli face additional charges related to promoting illegal betting, others are classified as “mere gamblers.” The investigation, led by Milan prosecutors, will be passed to the Italian Football Federation (FIGC), which may impose sporting sanctions. Criminal charges appear unlikely, with most players expected to resolve the matter by paying fines.