US star McKennie among 13 players being investigated for illegal gambling
United States midfielder Weston McKennie is among 13 soccer players being investigated for illegal online betting in Italy, according to widespread media reports.
A new investigation by Milan prosecutors stems from evidence given by Sandro Tonali and Nicolò Fagioli in 2023. Both then served lengthy bans, ruling them out for most of last season, after agreeing plea bargains that also included therapy for a gambling addiction.
Juventus midfielder Fagioli – currently on loan at Fiorentina – was banned for seven months after admitting to betting on matches, while Newcastle's Tonali received a longer suspension of 10 months as his bets also included his team's games — at the time AC Milan.
The duo are also named in the new investigation, along with Fagioli's then-Juventus teammate McKennie and nine other current or former Serie A players, as well as Leeds defender Junior Firpo.
There is no evidence that the other players ever gambled on soccer matches but their names emerged from depositions given by Tonali and Fagioli and analysis of their devices.
The players are being investigated for using illegal platforms for online poker and betting on other sports. As such they do not risk a ban, but instead a maximum fine of €250 ($284) from Italian authorities.
Tonali and Fagioli have also been accused of promoting those sites among their teammates and other soccer players.
Fagioli said in a deposition: 'I pointed out to [former Aston Villa forward Nicolò] Zaniolo illegal sites where he could make online bets, on roulette or poker … the organisers of the sites had told me that they would give me some advantages if I brought other bettors.'
A message about Zaniolo found on Fagioli's phone also said: 'Bravo, capture him, work for me.'
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time Out
2 hours ago
- Time Out
You can eat a tasting menu right on the NASCAR Chicago race track this summer
What's more thrilling than a high-speed NASCAR race? How about carb-loading right where the cars take off? This summer, Chicago Gourmet is rolling out one of its most daring (and delicious) experiences yet: a five-course Italian tasting menu served smack on the NASCAR Chicago Street Race track. On Wednesday, July 2, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., the race's start/finish line will transform into the city's most unexpected fine-dining venue, blending Michelin-caliber cuisine with pit-lane vibes. As part of the Chicago Gourmet Festival's new 'Culinary World Series,' the event marks a high-octane kickoff to the city's biggest food celebration and a once-in-a-lifetime chance to toast with wine where tires usually burn rubber. The chef lineup is stacked with Chicago stars, including Fabio Viviani (Siena Tavern, Bar Siena), Tony Priolo (Piccolo Sogno), Joe Frillman and Leigh Omilinsky (Daisies) and Steve Maak (Levy Restaurants). The night's theme: bold Italian flavors, dished out trackside with flair. Diners can expect signature race-day cocktails from Jose Cuervo (the official tequila of the NASCAR Chicago Street Race, naturally) and a "Cup Series" of wine pairings from legendary Italian winery Marchesi Antinori. There's even an emcee—culinary personality, Catherine De Orio—to steer the evening along. Tickets cost $250 per person, and proceeds benefit the Illinois Restaurant Association Educational Foundation, a nonprofit organization that supports the state's hospitality workforce. This isn't Chicago Gourmet's only sports-forward event this year. Friday, July 25, brings a Duck Dog face-off at the Crosstown Classic, and Wednesday, August 20 features led by chefs from Virtue.
The Sun
3 hours ago
- The Sun
Jadon Sancho at centre of three-way Premier League transfer battle with Man Utd misfit not part of Ruben Amorim's plans
THREE Premier League clubs are battling to sign Jadon Sancho, SunSport can reveal. The former Borussia Dortmund winger is back at Manchester United after Chelsea rejected the chance to make his move permanent. 4 4 Manager Ruben Amorim has no plans to integrate Sancho back into his first team - meaning the 25-year-old is searching for a fresh start. And SunSport understands Aston Villa, Tottenham and Newcastle are all monitoring developments. Villa are thought to be keen on a loan deal for the player, but United would prefer cash to free up funds for a rebuild. Newcastle and Tottenham both see Sancho as a strong option as they look to build squads that can compete in the League and the Champions League. Borussia Dortmund were also tracking Sancho, but they've now opted for Jobe Bellingham. Despite netting in the 4-1 Europa Conference League final win over Real Betis, Sancho couldn't seal a £25million switch to Chelsea. Chelsea had initially loaned Sancho from United and had agreed to buy him for £25million, unless they dropped below 14th or coughed up a £5m penalty clause. Now, Chelsea's eyes are set on a range of wingers, including Jamie Byroe-Gittens and Nico Williams of Borussia Dortmund and Athletic Bilbao, respectively. Jadon Sancho shares his Chelsea highlights reel as he says goodbye to fans ahead of Man Utd return 4 They are still linked with Sancho's team-mate Alejandro Garnacho, who looks to have been banished to the wilderness by Ruben Amorim in a similar fallout to the one Sancho had with Erik ten Hag. United have set a staggering £70m asking price on the Argentine winger. Garnacho is viewed as one of United's sellable assets this summer as he is considered homegrown, although he does have three years remaining on his contract. Chelsea today confirmed Sancho's return to Man Utd in a 92-word statement on the club website. It said: "Sancho, 25, joined on a season-long loan on August 31 2024 and went on to make a total of 41 appearances for the club. "The winger registered five goals during his time at Stamford Bridge, with his final strike coming in the Blues' UEFA Conference League Final victory against Real Betis on May 28. "Everyone at Chelsea would like to thank Jadon for his efforts and we wish him every success for the future." 4
BBC News
3 hours ago
- BBC News
Sunderland Newcastle derby 'can boost football tourism'
The return of the Tyne-Wear derby to next season's Premier League fixture list should be used in efforts to attract more tourists to north-east England, political leaders have season will be the first time since 2016 that both Newcastle and Sunderland have been together in the top flight and there is a hope to capitalise on tourism surrounding English East Combined Authority (NECA) has agreed that the investment agency Newcastle Gateshead Initiative would now promote the whole of Tyne and Wear, Northumberland and County City Council leader Michael Mordey told a NECA meeting football could "really drive forward" footfall in the region. Newcastle City Council leader Karen Kilgour added: "It demonstrates just how strong our region is… the sport we have from cricket, to football, to hosting rugby, the Women's World Cup."Our cultural offer is second to none." Recent estimates suggest 68.4 million people came to the region in 2024, slightly down from 69 million the year before, according to the Local Democracy Reporting tourism is claimed to be worth over £6.6bn a year to the North East, it has the lowest number of both domestic and international visitors of anywhere in England, so politicians hope to double the number of tourist trips over the next East Mayor Kim McGuinness told council leaders and other senior figures on Tuesday that the region had not been "good enough in shouting about and marketing ourselves to the rest of the world".She reiterated calls for new powers that would allow her to impose a tourism levy, and her ambition to bring the Olympic Games to the north of England. Follow BBC Sunderland on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram.
