Italy keeper Buffon cleared of illegal gambling
ROME (AFP) - Juventus keeper Gianluigi Buffon has been cleared of illegal gambling by a Turin prosecutor.
The 28-year-old, who kept goal for Italy in their triumphant World Cup campaign this year, was suspected of betting on five Juventus matches between 2004 and 2005.
After a review of the evidence, Turin prosecutor Stefano Palazzi decided to archive Buffon's case. Also cleared were former Juventus players Antonio Chimenti, Enzo Maresca and Mark Iuliano.
Buffon, the world's most expensive keeper, was under suspicion of flouting the law on illegal gambling.
He admitted placing bets on Juve matches when he voluntarily appeared before prosecutors in Turin on May 13, but insisted he stopped when the Italian football federation (FIGC) made gambling on any game an offence last year.
Players found guilty of breaking the FIGC's rules on gambling face bans of anything from three months to three years.
Buffon's aquittal brought some festive cheer to Juve after a black year for the 'Old Lady'.
AFP