Italians Suspended for Six Months Over Attack on Montenegrin Referee, Excluded from World Cup
The controversy surrounding the Olympic Games has reached its conclusion – the Italian water polo team has been banned from all competitions governed by FINA for a period of six months.
This sanction against “setebelo” is the final chapter in the events that unfolded during and after the quarter-final match against Hungary in Paris, which involved Montenegrin referee Veselin Mišković.
The Italian players expressed their frustration with the officiating following Frančesko Kondemi’s goal, as he inadvertently struck Hungarian player Szilard Janšik in the face while losing control of the ball.
After reviewing the VAR footage, Kondemi was penalized with a “brutality” foul, allowing the Hungarians to secure victory and advance to the semi-finals.
In addition to the six-month suspension, the Water Sports Integrity Unit has also levied a fine of $100, with the Italian Water Polo Federation required to pay half of this amount within the next 90 days.
Reportedly, “individual players along with coach Sandro Campagna physically and verbally confronted the referees in the parking lot of the swimming pool while the Italian team bus was getting ready to return to the Olympic Village,” as stated by Gazeta delo sport.
Consequently, Italy will not participate in the World Cup set to begin in January of next year.
From January 6 to 11, 2025, Montenegro will also take part in the qualification tournament in Novi Sad.
News