Online-betting companies based in Malta were reportedly among those betting companies with whom a number of Italian football players allegedly placed bets, breaching the sports' regulations.
Italy's international goalkeeper Gigi Buffon, who is by many considered to be the best custodian in the sport at present, together with his former Juventus team-mates Antonio Chimenti, Mark Iuliano and Enzo Maresca are currently being investigated by Italian authorities that are looking further into the matter.
The players could face a suspension of not less than eighteen months if it is proved that they placed bets, as the sports' regulations prohibit players from making any bets ever since a directive was introduced for this purpose in autumn 2005.
Italian media claimed that the players placed bets amounting to around 2.5 million euros through brokers based in the Italian city of Parma, where the Italy and Juventus goalkeeper began his career.
Buffon has already defended himself, claiming that he used to place bets on the consented games, namely foreign football matches and other sports, through internet sites. He added that he nevertheless stopped doing so when this was prohibited.
source : di-ve
