Carraro “angry” at Juve allegations

FIGC President Franco Carraro claims he is “shocked and angry” at the allegations Juventus requested specific referees. “My state of mind is the same as the millions of fans, who feel shocked, sad and angry,” stated Carraro. “The sport justice system will act quickly and with rigour.”

The scandal exploded this week when two national newspapers in Italy published transcripts of telephone conversations between Juventus director general Luciano Moggi and refereeing designator Pierluigi Pairetto. It’s claimed Moggi was requesting specific officials to be assigned to various summer friendly games, but also two Champions’ League ties.

UEFA have already taken steps over the matter, as under their rules clubs cannot be told the name of the referee in charge of their games until 48 hours before kick-off, but these conversations appear to have been two weeks ahead of the clash with Ajax on September 15, 2004. "There was a disciplinary case, the decision was made today and he has been reprimanded for having violated the principle of conduct," said a UEFA spokesman. "He cannot give out confidential information."

No further action will be taken against Pairetto, whose tenure on the UEFA refereeing commission expires on June 30, when he is probably set to be replaced by Pierluigi Collina.

Meanwhile, Juventus have hit back at the media for stirring up this scandal when the team is on the verge of a 29th Scudetto. “Our fundamental rights have been violated, as our phone calls were recorded and then released to the Press before we were even made aware of an investigation that had gone on for months,” slammed director Antonio Giraudo. “It’s all a farce. Just ask yourselves why this story emerged on the eve of a thoroughly deserved Scudetto party,” added Moggi.