The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) has issued disciplinary measures against four players and a warehouse worker, accused of violating article 24 of the sports justice code for having made bets on official football competitions. Among the names, Pietro Martino includes, currently in force at Cosenza Calcio, and Marco Sau, former striker of Benevento today released.
Pietro Martino: over 1,200 played in just under two years
According to the reasons of the Federal Prosecutor’s Office, Martino would have placed a total of 1,290 bets between January 2021 and October 2022, a period in which he dressed the jerseys of Union Clodiense, Foggia and finally Cosenza. The episodes concerned a broad spectrum of events: Serie A, B, Lega Pro, Serie D, UEFA tournaments and also games organized by FIFA. The games were made through four different game accounts, open at the Rell Italy Ltd, Sisal, Goldbet Italia and E-Play 24 Italy dealers.
The penalties against Martino
For the ascertained infringements, Pietro Martino was sentenced to a 20 -month overall disqualification, 2 of which converted into a pecuniary sanction of 9,000 euros. In addition, a fine of 14,750 euros was imposed. The FIGC has ordered that a part of the disqualification is replaced by alternative requirements, as long as the footballer undertakes to follow a therapeutic path and participate in public awareness initiatives.
Therapeutic obligations and educational meetings
The therapeutic plan, lasting the minimum of 9 months, must be conducted under the supervision of a healthcare professional. Every two months, the Head of therapy must send to the Federal Prosecutor’s Office a detailed report on the progress of the course, the collaboration of the player and the results obtained.
At the same time, Martino will have to take part in at least 18 public meetings, to be held always in the 9 months scheduled. The events will be intended for realities such as amateur sports associations, youth centers and structures specialized in the prevention and treatment of dependence on the game. Each meeting must be organized in coordination with the FIGC and notified in advance to the Federal Prosecutor’s Office.