Italian soccer scandal casts moral shadow over team's World Cup play

Published: 2006-06-09

ROME (CNS) -- Italy is one of the favorites to win the World Cup in Germany this summer, but a soccer scandal at home has cast a moral shadow over the event and raised questions from church leaders. Italy's leading Catholic magazine, Famiglia Cristiana, said in its June 11 issue that Italy might have done better to sit out the tournament and do some ethical housecleaning instead. "We underline that we would have applauded an Italy that stayed at home to punish itself and clean itself up and that we fear an Italian victory will lead to an amnesty for the big sinners, both individuals and clubs," said a lead article in the magazine. "We hope that soccer, in its greatest exhibition, can convince people -- and convince itself -- that it can still be a clean and honest sport," it said. Italy has been rocked in recent weeks by allegations of widespread match-rigging, illegal betting and fraudulent bookkeeping in its Division A soccer league. The scandal allegedly involves at least 40 people, including players, team officials and referees.

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