Sport enthusiasts, in particular the followers of Italian football – which includes thousands of Maltese – have been shocked by the scandal that has erupted in Italy over the last few days.
As the number of matches under investigation piles up, and the number of people being interrogated by the police continues to increase, there is no doubt that the credibility of Italian football is at its lowest point in its history.
The inquiry into the “phone-tapping scandal”, in which Italian football federation administrators, club officials and referees have been involved, will probably take weeks to resolve, although every effort is being made to conclude the matter as quickly as possible in view of next month’s World Cup, and in time before the start of the next season.
As things are, the league has been “won” by Juventus but this is still sub judice, and there is also a risk of last season’s league title being taken away from the giant Turin club. There are other clubs involved in the issue, and they risk being heavily penalised if it is proved that irregularities have been committed.
Italian sport is, once again, under the spotlight for the wrong reasons – as it was last summer and, more infamously, in 1980. Clubs, officials and players who made mistakes in the past have rightly paid a high price for their wrongdoings, and one expects that a similar fate awaits the people and the teams involved this time round.
But the issue goes beyond a deserved punishment. What is happening in Italy today is not an isolated incident. It has taken place in Italy and elsewhere in the past, and each time it happens, sport as a concept gets rattled. Just as much as it does each time there is a doping scandal.
Because sport is, after all, a form of entertainment and although today there are large business interests involved, it should remain what it is, just sport.
The better team and the best athlete should win by their own merits, and not because the system is manipulated or because athletes take illegal substances to enhance their performances. The end does not justify the means.
Sport is followed by millions of people around the world, but these scandals reduce its credibility. Questions start to be asked in such circumstances, and doubts begin to surface.
This is because if one particular competition is “dirty”, supporters are bound to think that others – including previous competitions or others in a different sport in a different country – are dirty too. And this is certainly not good for the future of sport, whatever discipline it is and in whichever country it is played.
As more and more scandals hit the sporting world, sport enthusiasts lose interest. Added to this, such happenings are certainly not the best way to encourage more young people to take up sport.
The joy of a victory should never be marred by doubts as to whether that victory was obtained in a clean manner or not. But sport has, unfortunately, had too many such incidents in the past for enthusiasts not to raise the question. And this reduces the public’s enthusiasm for sport.
In a way, athletes and officials who commit irregularities – and are caught – are killing their own goose that lays the golden egg. Athletes and officials – in countries where professionalism exist – are among the highest paid “workers” in their respective country. By competing irregularly, they are the worst ambassadors for their sport.
Such scandals as the one that has hit Italy should not be treated lightly, and all those found guilty should be punished. Sport is enjoyable for those who practice it and those who follow it. It should not be spoilt.