Former Serie A Club Files for Judicial Administration Amid Evidence of Mafia Infiltration -

A previously prominent Serie A club has entered judicial administration following police findings of mafia infiltration.

FC Crotone last appeared in Italy’s premier league during the 2020/21 season but suffered relegation after finishing in 19th position.

An empty soccer stadium with red and blue seats and a banner that reads "ALLA FINE HA VINTO LA “STIRPE” CROTONESE!!!" — FC Crotone has been placed under judicial administration
Credit: Getty

General view of the Stadio Ezio Scida in Crotone, Italy, showing blue and pink stadium seating with buildings in the background. — This measure has been put in place after evidence of mafia infiltration
Credit: Getty

Crotone's players celebrate the victory of the Italian Serie A. — The club was recently playing in the Serie A
Credit: EPA

Crotone's Simy holds up a shirt that reads "End Police Brutality in Nigeria." — Crotone suffered consecutive relegations and are now in Serie C
Credit: AP

The club from Calabria struggled to maintain its position in Serie B, resulting in back-to-back relegations to Serie C.

At present, they hold 7th place in the regional Group C of Italy’s third tier.

FC Crotone is now under judicial administration for a period of one year, following police conclusions of “sufficient evidence” pointing to significant Mafia infiltration.

Nestled in southern Calabria, Crotone grapples with the influence of the powerful ‘Ndrangheta Mafia.

This notorious syndicate is estimated to be worth tens of billions of dollars.

Their criminal activities encompass murder, violent attacks, burning vehicles, and even animal cruelty, with various animals being killed as a form of intimidation.

This ruling allows the football club to proceed with its operations but under the supervision of court-appointed administrators.

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Currently, Crotone is not facing any direct inquiries from law enforcement.

The Catanzaro prosecutors’ office has stated that Crotone has endured “conditions of intimidation and subjugation” from local ‘Ndrangheta factions over the last decade.

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In light of this announcement, FC Crotone released a statement affirming its readiness to collaborate with authorities during the ongoing investigation.

The statement read: “We will closely examine the interim order from the Catanzaro Court and prepare for the hearing set for October 13th.

“This action is not punitive.

“The measure was implemented because the Judicial Authority believes FC Crotone has been subjected to the ‘Ndrangheta’s power of intimidation, and does not imply any wrongdoing on the part of the club, its shareholders, or its staff.”

“FC Crotone aims to work hand in hand with the judicial administrators assigned by the Court to ensure its operations continue responsibly, for the benefit of the club, its fans, and the sport as a whole.”

Founded in 1923, Crotone plays its home games at the 16,547-seat Stadio Ezio Scida.