Crotone, Italy – Crotone, a third-tier Italian football club, has been placed under judicial administration for one year after prosecutors discovered significant mafia infiltration within the organization. The club, based in the southern Calabria region, known for being home to the notorious ’Ndrangheta mafia, is currently in seventh place in Serie C, Group C, with five points from four games.
What Happened
The court-appointed judicial administration will allow the club to continue its sporting activities, but all operations will be supervised by external administrators for a year. This decision follows a police investigation that found sufficient evidence of ‘Ndrangheta mafia influence in various club operations. Specifically, prosecutors stated that the club had been subjected to intimidation and subjugation by local mafia clans, primarily affecting the security and ticketing operations at the club.
Crotone, which has played in Serie A in the past, most recently in the 2020-21 season, is not under investigation, and the club has denied any involvement in criminal activity. In a statement, Crotone confirmed its intention to collaborate with the appointed judicial administrators to continue its activities “in the best interests of the club, fans, and sport in general.”
Who Was Involved
Crotone Football Club: The club, located in southern Italy, has a history in the upper divisions of Italian football, though it currently competes in Serie C. The club’s leadership has denied any complicity in criminal activities and has pledged full cooperation with judicial oversight.
’Ndrangheta Mafia: Based in Calabria, the ’Ndrangheta is one of Italy’s most powerful and dangerous organized crime syndicates. Its reach extends into various sectors, including sports, with significant influence over operations like ticketing and merchandising.
Prosecutors: The investigation, led by the prosecutor’s office in Catanzaro, found evidence of mafia groups infiltrating Crotone’s operations over the last decade. Authorities have emphasized that the club’s legal and sporting activities will be steered toward proper and lawful management.
Career/Legacy or Background
The ’Ndrangheta’s influence in Italian football is not new. There have been several recent investigations into mafia ties to top-tier clubs, particularly in ticketing and merchandising, as well as in the ultra fan groups that support teams like Inter Milan and AC Milan. This phenomenon has been well-documented, with organized crime syndicates often exploiting the financial opportunities associated with football’s popularity.
Crotone’s history in Serie A, while brief, is notable as the club made its mark on the Italian football scene. However, this new development highlights the challenges faced by the club in maintaining its operations free from criminal interference.
Public/Social Media Reactions
The news has shocked fans and the public alike, with many expressing disappointment over the club’s involvement in such a scandal. On social media, Crotone supporters have voiced frustration, with some highlighting the need for stronger regulatory oversight in the football industry to prevent further mafia infiltration.
Official Statements or What Happens Next
Crotone has made it clear that it will continue to operate under the supervision of the judicial administrators, maintaining its focus on sporting activities. The club stressed that the decision does not imply any wrongdoing on the part of its management or staff, who are fully cooperating with the authorities.
The judicial administration is expected to help guide the club’s financial and operational activities back into compliance with the law, aiming to safeguard the integrity of both the club and the sport.
This story may be updated with more information as it becomes available.
