UEFA president Aleksander Čeferin has expressed unwavering backing for Italian soccer chief Gabriele Gravina, who is under investigation by Rome prosecutors for alleged embezzlement and money laundering.
Gravina, who serves as a UEFA vice president and heads the Italian soccer federation (FIGC), faces accusations of unlawfully diverting funds from a 2018 TV rights auction during his tenure as head of Italy’s third division.
These funds were purportedly utilized to purchase a residence in Milan. Additionally, he allegedly sought to leverage the TV rights agreement to facilitate the private sale of a valuable medieval book collection he owned, although this sale never materialized.
Despite these allegations, the 70-year-old vehemently refutes any wrongdoing. His legal team has submitted extensive documentation to prosecutors, purportedly demonstrating that the funds for the property originated from a distinct source.
In a statement to the Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, Čeferin expressed confidence in Gravina’s ability to clarify the situation, emphasizing his steadfast support. He acknowledged the impact of the allegations on Gravina’s reputation, lamenting the challenging circumstances.
Čeferin personally extended his solidarity to Gravina, attesting to his character as an upright and esteemed figure in soccer administration. Gravina assumed the FIGC presidency in 2018, following a tenure leading the Lega Pro, governing Serie C, from 2005 to 2018.
His appointment to UEFA’s executive committee in 2021 and subsequent elevation to vice president in 2023 underscore his standing within the European soccer governing body.
