A sweeping investigation by the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) into connections between Serie A clubs, staff, and notorious ultras groups has led to disciplinary action against Inter Milan manager Simone Inzaghi and midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu. Both have been handed one-match suspensions along with financial penalties, following allegations of improper associations with groups reportedly tied to organized crime.
The inquiry was launched after the murder of Antonio Belocco, a member of Inter’s Curva Nord, reigniting suspicions over the influence of ultras in club affairs. According to findings from FIGC’s investigation, unauthorized communications between key club figures and ultras groups were deemed to have breached ethical guidelines, prompting a crackdown on such interactions.
FIGC Issues Suspensions and Fines to Inzaghi and Calhanoglu
Based on multiple reports from Italian media outlets, including Sky Sport Italia, both Simone Inzaghi and Hakan Calhanoglu will miss Inter Milan’s upcoming clash against Verona. Their one-match suspension was imposed after FIGC prosecutors concluded that the duo violated Articles 4 and 25 of the Italian Code of Sports Justice, which prohibit formal or informal relationships with unauthorized supporter factions.
Alongside the suspension, Inzaghi has been fined €15,000 (approximately $16,000), while Calhanoglu has been hit with a steeper fine of €30,000 (roughly $32,000). These penalties were reportedly the result of negotiated settlements with FIGC’s chief prosecutor, Giuseppe Chine, avoiding the need for a formal hearing.
Clubs Also Penalized because Ultras Scandal : Inter and Milan Fined
The scandal has not spared the clubs themselves. Inter Milan has been ordered to pay a substantial fine of €70,000 (around $75,000), reflecting the broader involvement of its staff in the controversy. AC Milan, though less implicated, was also fined €30,000 ($32,000) due to breaches linked to former or current personnel.
Inter vice-president and club legend Javier Zanetti was individually fined €14,500 ($15,500), although he avoided a match suspension. His inclusion in the disciplinary list underscores how high up the allegations reached within the club’s hierarchy.
Further action was taken against two of Inter’s fan liaison officers, Claudio Sala and Massimiliano Silva, both of whom received financial penalties and were suspended from their roles for 30 days. Their responsibility in maintaining regulated relationships with supporter groups was deemed to have been grossly mishandled.
Calabria Under Investigation involving Ultras Scandal
Former AC Milan and current Bologna player Davide Calabria also finds himself entangled in the investigation. Calabria reportedly engaged in conversations with certain ultras representatives during his time at Milan, and he has been summoned by FIGC for questioning.
The outcome of his involvement remains uncertain. While he may follow the same route as Inzaghi and Calhanoglu by negotiating a settlement, there is a possibility that he could be brought before the federal court if a plea deal is not reached. FIGC is expected to finalize a decision based on the conclusions of the upcoming hearing.
FIGC Sends Clear Message
This latest disciplinary sweep marks a strong stance by the FIGC in reasserting the boundaries between professional clubs and external supporter organizations. The federation is clearly determined to protect the sport’s integrity from external influences, especially those with alleged ties to criminal activity.
While Inzaghi and Calhanoglu’s bans may seem short-term, the reputational damage for both individuals and their clubs could have more lasting consequences. More importantly, this case may set a precedent for how Italian football handles the delicate balance between passionate supporter culture and regulatory oversight.
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