Calciopoli

The 2006 Italian football scandal centred on improper influence over referee appointments and communications involving club and football officials during the 2004/05 and 2005/06 seasons.

Jurisdiction: Italy
Period: 2004–2006
Last verified: July 30, 2026

Background

The publication of intercepted telephone calls triggered sporting and criminal proceedings. Juventus, AC Milan, Fiorentina, Lazio and Reggina were among the clubs involved in the sporting process, with different findings and sanctions.

Documented outcome

Juventus were relegated to Serie B, stripped of the 2004/05 title and placed last in 2005/06; that season's title was later assigned to Inter. Other clubs received points deductions and other penalties, some reduced on appeal.

Why it matters

Calciopoli changed Italian football's governance and public trust. It demonstrates why institutional influence must be documented separately from claims that any single on-field decision was fixed.

What the record shows

Chronology

May 2006
1. Intercepted calls become public
Media reports disclosed communications that led to a rapid sporting investigation.
14 July 2006
2. First sporting judgment
The sporting tribunal imposed relegations, title removals and points penalties; several sanctions changed on appeal.
October 2006
3. Final domestic appeal reductions
The Italian Olympic Committee's arbitration chamber reduced a number of points penalties while the core Juventus sanctions remained.

Evidence trail

Sources

UEFA · July 14, 2006Juve and two others relegated WikipediaCalciopoli

Background

Documented outcome

Why it matters

Chronology

1. Intercepted calls become public

2. First sporting judgment

3. Final domestic appeal reductions

Sources

Background

Documented outcome

Why it matters

Chronology

1. Intercepted calls become public

2. First sporting judgment

3. Final domestic appeal reductions

Sources