USMNT‘s star player Weston McKennie has reportedly been included among a dozen players under investigation by Italian authorities. The alleged offenses involve gambling on illicit online platforms and making disguised payments through a jewelry shop. Investigators say these transactions aimed to hide large sums owed for poker and other non-soccer bets.
The probe emerged from evidence gathered after Sandro Tonali and Nicolò Fagioli, both already serving suspensions for gambling on football matches, were found to have encouraged teammates to join these off-the-grid sites. Sources in Italy describe McKennie, currently at Juventus, as a “mere gambler,” which suggests he is accused of playing on illegal platforms rather than facilitating them.
Weston McKennie caught in the crosshairs?
Authorities claim the jewelry store took bank transfers from players under the pretense of selling luxury watches. In reality, say prosecutors, the watches stayed with the shop while players received invoices that disguised gambling debts. Five individuals were placed under house arrest after an estimated $1.7 million in assets was seized. The Milan Prosecutor’s Office continues to investigate all implicated players and managers.
Experts predict that criminal penalties for McKennie and others could be relatively small. “From a criminal standpoint, the footballers face minimal risk and can resolve the matter by paying a fine,” stated Italian news agency ANSA. Nonetheless, the Italian Football Federation may launch its own inquiry, which could result in sporting sanctions. Such measures have already hit Tonali and Fagioli, who admitted to struggles with gambling addiction while serving bans of up to 10 months.
McKennie isn’t the only name raising eyebrows. Angel Di María, now at Benfica, Leandro Paredes of Roma, Mattia Perin of Juventus, and Alessandro Florenzi of AC Milan were singled out. Raoul Bellanova and Samuele Ricci, both Italian internationals, also face questions. Though no evidence suggests these players bet on matches involving their teams, the revelations have sparked a wider conversation about recreational gambling’s risks for high-profile athletes.
Despite the swirling headlines, Juventus have publicly backed their players in other off-field matters because of their professionalism. Wink, wink. McKennie has not issued a public response, and it’s unclear how any disciplinary actions might affect his long-term future in Turin or with the USMNT.
