Inter Milan Engulfed in a Major Financial and Mafia Scandal

⚠️ Fake Sponsors to Bypass Financial Fair Play?

A recent investigation by the Italian TV program Report has unveiled that Inter Milan may have recorded up to €300 million in revenue from fake Asian sponsors, allegedly linked to its Chinese parent company, Suning.

These funds were reportedly used to artificially balance the club’s accounts in order to bypass UEFA’s Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations. In 2020, Inter posted €871 million in debt against just €430 million in revenue — a situation that, under normal circumstances, would likely lead to forced liquidation.

And yet, both the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) and UEFA took no disciplinary action, raising serious concerns about negligence or possible complicity by these governing bodies.
(Source: Reddit summary)

🕵️ Mafia Infiltration: The ‘Ndrangheta in the Stands

At the same time, an ongoing criminal investigation has uncovered evidence of mafia infiltration, specifically by the Calabrian ‘Ndrangheta, within Inter Milan’s ultra supporters — notably the Curva Nord.

The leaders of these ultra groups reportedly exploited their power around the San Siro stadium to control profitable activities: ticket resales, parking lots, food vendors, and even drug trafficking.

In September 2024, 19 people were arrested, including key figures from both Inter Milan and AC Milan ultra factions. The probe revealed a shocking alliance between rival fan groups, designed to maximize illegal profits, putting the integrity of the club under severe scrutiny.
(Source: Reuters, AP News)

⚖️ What Are the Possible Consequences for Inter Milan?

Although Italy’s financial watchdog (COVISOC) stated there were “no irregularities” in Inter’s books at the time, the recent revelations may trigger serious repercussions:

Sporting sanctions: Possible exclusion from UEFA competitions, Serie A point deductions.
Financial penalties: Heavy fines, restrictions on the transfer market.
Reputation damage: Loss of trust from sponsors, fans, and institutions.

The club has said it is cooperating with authorities, but the scale and gravity of the allegations could have long-lasting effects on Inter Milan’s future.

🧩 A Scandal With Deep Roots

This scandal raises alarm bells about the vulnerability of professional football to organized crime and financial manipulation. It also highlights systemic flaws in governance and oversight — not only at the club level, but within federations and international governing bodies.

As with Calciopoli in 2006, this could mark a turning point for Italian football — but only if real reforms follow.