The world of football is once again in the spotlight due to a new illegal betting scandal. This time, the main figures involved are none other than Ángel Di María and Leandro Paredes, World Cup champions with Argentina and globally recognized stars, who are now officially under investigation by the Milan Prosecutor’s Office for their alleged participation in unauthorized betting platforms between 2021 and 2023.
According to Italian media, investigations reveal that both players may have placed bets through illegal channels in sports other than football, as well as in online poker games. Although there is no evidence of match-fixing so far, the seriousness of the case lies in the symbolic role these figures play for millions of young fans and for the integrity of professional sports.
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The case has shaken both European and Argentine football. Di María, a hometown hero in Rosario and a key player in the Qatar World Cup final, and Paredes, currently playing for Roma, are among a dozen athletes implicated in what could become one of the largest illegal betting schemes in Italian sports history.
Authorities have identified a financial network operated from a jewelry store in Milan, which was used as a front to move money toward clandestine betting sites. During the operation, €1.5 million was seized and house arrest was requested for five individuals. However, the players have not yet been formally charged.
Beyond the judicial aspect, this case challenges the effectiveness of ethical codes set by FIFA and UEFA, which promote campaigns against illegal gambling and match-fixing, but still fail to prevent the spread of betting culture into locker rooms, social media, and even official sponsorships.
This episode amplifies concerns about a betting industry that, without solid and cross-cutting regulation, continues to recruit high-level athletes as clients or ambassadors, blurring the lines between sport, business, and legal risk.
