Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Promoted Atalanta had six points deducted and their captain, former Italy international Cristiano Doni, was suspended for three-and-a-half years today by the Italian soccer federation (FIGC) over alleged match-fixing.
Retired former Lazio and Italy striker Giuseppe Signori was banned for five years from any football-related activity, the FIGC added in a statement.
They were among 17 individuals suspended for between one and five years and an equal number of clubs, all except Atalanta outside the top division, to have points deducted or be fined in the betting scandal.
The federation said Atalanta's punishment will take effect for the coming season, meaning the team will begin their first campaign back in the top flight with minus six points when Serie A kicks off at the end of this month.
Serie B team Ascoli will also have six points deducted while third division Alessandria Calcio were demoted.
The clubs and individuals were cited by the FIGC's sporting prosecutor following a criminal investigation into a betting scam which had initially centred on 18 games in the second tier Serie B and Italy's lower divisions.
Police said they had found evidence of an organised system among former and current footballers, sports betting operators and others to manipulate the results of a number of soccer matches.
They said bets worth tens of thousands of euros, and in some cases hundreds of thousands, had been placed on matches.
The investigation was triggered by a Serie B match in Cremona last season which aroused suspicions that led to a wider probe.
Atalanta are likely to appeal the decision with a hearing expected before the new Serie A season kicks off.
Fellow top flight side Chievo avoided any points penalty after paying a fine following a plea bargain earlier in the process.
Italian soccer had only just recovered from a 2006 match-fixing scandal which led Juventus to be demoted to Serie B.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments