Reports: Weston McKennie and 12 Serie A Players Under Gambling Probe
Weston McKennie and 12 Serie A players are under investigation in Italy for alleged illegal online sports and poker betting between 2021 and 2023. The players may face disciplinary actions from the Italian Football Federation even though criminal penalties appear minimal.
Published on April 13, 2025
United States midfielder Weston McKennie, along with 12 other Serie A players, is under investigation in Italy for alleged illegal online sports and poker betting spanning from 2021 to 2023. The probe, reported by Reuters on April 13, 2025, indicates that the players used unauthorized websites and circumvented the Customs and Monopolies Agency.
Additional details from AS USA mention that some of the players, including names like Alessandro Florenzi and Ángel Di María, were implicated in settling their betting debts via bank transfers to a Milan jewelry store—transactions disguised as luxury purchases such as Rolex watches. While criminal consequences might be minimal, the Italian Football Federation is evaluating the case, which could result in disciplinary actions including possible suspensions. McKennie is set to remain active with Juventus, though his participation in the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup in June remains uncertain.