Lazio could have their Champions League place taken from them general secretary of Federbet, Francesco Baranca, has warned.
Federbet, a non-profit federation and a leader in detection and prevention of illegal practices in sports betting, recently issued a report into illicit gambling in football, and Baranca feels if this is widened Lazio’s European place could be at risk due to betting-ring boss Hristiyan Ilievski’s decision to cooperate with prosecutors.
“Lazio risk being excluded from European competitions,” Baranca said.
“There has been talk of this for weeks, since Ilievski decided to return to Italy and speak to the magistrates in Cremona.
“If you reopen the process on evidence gathered by the prosecutor in Cremona, Lazio could be at risk of a trial on liability grounds.
“Any condemnation would then automatically lead to a downgrading of the club and automatic exclusion from the Champions League, as a result of UEFA regulations.”
The risk comes from the investigation into Lazio’s match with Genoa in 2011, following which Biancocelesti captain Stefano Mauri was banned for six-months for failing to report the knowledge of potential match-fixing.
Federbet are due to provide the Italian authorities with evidence they have gathered of matches in Serie B and Lega Pro.
Fiorentina would, in the case that Lazio are removed, play in the Champions League playoff, with Sampdoria taking a Europa League spot, and should Genoa not be granted a UEFA licence, Inter would also be in European competition.
