Crotone placed under judicial administration after mafia infiltration probe

Updated: 24 Nov, 2025 • 0 • min read

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Crotone placed under judicial administration after mafia infiltration probe

Italian football has been hit by another scandal after FC Crotone were placed under judicial administration for a year, following revelations of mafia infiltration connected to the notorious 'Ndrangheta syndicate.

The Court of Catanzaro accepted a request from anti-mafia prosecutors after evidence suggested that organised crime had exercised "suffocating control" over aspects of the club's operations, particularly stadium security and ticketing. Mafia Control Over Stadium Operations According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, investigators believe the 'Ndrangheta's influence stretched back more than a decade.

Their findings mirror previous concerns at other Italian clubs, with authorities stressing the measure is designed to protect Crotone rather than punish it.

Seventeen individuals linked to mafia activity have already been handed stadium bans, with prosecutors determined to isolate criminal involvement from the game. No Suggestion of Club Complicity The Vrenna family, who have owned Crotone for decades and oversaw their famous promotion to Serie A in 2016, strongly denied any wrongdoing.

Through lawyer Francesco Verri, they stated:

This is not a punitive measure at all. The Court believes FC Crotone has been subjected to the 'Ndrangheta's power of intimidation.

There is no suggestion of complicity or connivance by the club, its shareholders, or management.

The club will actively collaborate with the judicial administrators to continue its activities in the best interests of the fans and the sport.

Italian Football's Ongoing Battle With Crime The case underlines the long-standing vulnerability of Italian football to organised crime, with the 'Ndrangheta - one of Europe's most powerful mafia syndicates - historically using sport to launder money and exert local influence.

Crotone follow in the footsteps of Foggia, who were subjected to similar oversight measures in recent years.

For Italian authorities, judicial administration is seen as a shield to protect clubs and their communities whilst dismantling mafia business models. Crotone to Continue Playing Under Administration Despite the intervention, Crotone will continue to compete in Serie C under the watch of court-appointed administrators.

Gli Squali finished fourth in their group last season, narrowly missing out on promotion through the play-offs.

The club insist sporting activities will continue as normal, though the episode has once again placed Italian football governance under scrutiny.

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