Calciopoli Match-Fixing Scandal (2006)
The 2006 Calciopoli scandal led to Juventus' 2005–06 Scudetto being revoked and reassigned to Inter Milan.
Calciopoli was a sports scandal that emerged in Italy's professional association football league in 2006, involving Juventus, AC Milan, SS Lazio, ACF Fiorentina, Arezzo, and AS Reggina. The scandal was uncovered through wiretapped conversations revealing an elaborate scheme to influence referee assignments and match outcomes.
Quick Facts
- Title sanctioned
- Scudetto 2004-05 (revoked from Juventus and not reassigned), Scudetto 2005-06 (revoked from Juventus)
Lore & Background
The scandal first came to light from investigations into the football agency GEA World, founded by Luciano Moggi's son Alessandro. Transcripts of recorded telephone conversations suggested that Juventus general director Luciano Moggi and CEO Antonio Giraudo had conversations with several Italian football officials to influence referee designations during the 2004–05 Serie A season. Notable referees such as Pierluigi Collina and Roberto Rosetti emerged unscathed. The 2005–06 Serie A championship, won by Juventus, was remade to retroactively punish implicated clubs, resulting in third-classified Inter Milan being awarded the scudetto by FIGC commissioner Guido Rossi after a vote. The 2004–05 championship, also won by Juventus, was revoked but not reassigned.
Reader's Guide
The entry should note that the 2005–06 Scudetto was revoked from Juventus and later reassigned to Inter Milan. The standings were remade and Inter Milan was awarded the title by FIGC commissioner Guido Rossi after a vote. The 2004–05 title was revoked but not reassigned.
Did You Know?
- The scandal was first reported by Il Romanista, a newspaper dedicated to Roma supporters, before major sports press picked it up.
- Juventus shares lost about half their value on the Borsa Italiana between 9 May and 19 May 2006.
- A study on the 2004–05 Serie A championship found that Juventus averaged fewer points per game with investigated referees than with those not investigated.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly happened during the Calciopoli scandal?
In May 2006, an investigation revealed that club executives manipulated referee assignments to ensure favorable officiating rather than fixing match outcomes directly. The sports tribunal convicted them of influencing these selections, which fractured the club's modern history.
Who was punished in the Juventus Calciopoli case?
General Manager Luciano Moggi was the primary figure found guilty and banned for his central role in the network. The club itself also faced sanctions, marking a significant legal conclusion to the investigation.
Why was Juventus relegated to Serie B in 2006?
As punishment for influencing referee choices, the FIGC imposed relegation along with a point deduction that started at roughly thirty points before being reduced. This penalty forced the dynasty down from Serie A for the 2006-07 season.
Did Juventus admit to fixing match results?
The tribunal never accused the club of manipulating actual game outcomes, only the selection process for officials. However, this distinction offered no protection against the severe penalties handed down by the authorities.
What happened to Juventus's titles after the scandal?
The Scudetto from 2004-05 was voided and the title from 2005-06 was officially revoked as part of the sanctions. Despite losing these honors, the team eventually rebuilt itself from Serie B to return to the top flight.
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