An Italian judge has sentenced 16 hardline ‘ultra’ fans of Milan and Inter to prison terms ranging from two to ten years for crimes including murder, extortion, and links to the ‘Ndrangheta mafia. The convictions mark a significant blow to the organized crime group’s influence in Italian football.
The ‘Ndrangheta, one of Italy’s most powerful mafia factions, has long been linked to football violence and corruption. The trial, which spanned several months, uncovered evidence of a sophisticated network of organized crime operatives who had infiltrated both clubs’ fan bases. Prosecutors argued that the fans had orchestrated a series of violent acts, including the murder of a rival fan in 2021, to protect their criminal activities.
The sentencing has sparked debate about the role of fans in Italian football and the extent of organized crime’s influence in the sport. Football authorities have called for stricter measures to prevent such infiltration, while supporters’ groups have expressed concern over the heavy-handed approach of the judiciary. The case underscores the ongoing challenges of combating organized crime in the shadow of sports culture.