Former Lazio Captain Stefano Mauri has seen his ban increase from 6 months’ time to 9 months today the Figc has announced. At a hearing at the Court of Justice earlier today Mauri was informed that his appeal was not only denied, but that the appeal of Figc prosecutor for more serious charges was accepted.
Case details date back to the calcioscommesse betting scandal; In Mauri’s case the 2011 matches Lecce - Lazio and Lazio – Genoa, on 22 May and 14 May respectively.
After initially receiving a 6 month ban Mauri and his party decided to appeal the decision, which drew action from head prosecutor Stefano Palazzi who also appealed the court for a higher level of charges.
That this can even happen is a testament to the screwed up disposition of the Italian justice system, and the clear arbitrary nature of their decisions.
Mauri’s lawyer Amilcare Buceti is quoted after the case in saying
“This sentence is incomprehensible, out of proportion, and unfair.”
That many neutrals on the peninsula would agree with Buceti is a given, as the “Court of Justice” has made decisions similar to this in the past. Mauri and company have said they are appealing the decision to a higher court.