Italian soccer scandal worse than expected, officials say

Photo: Italian soccer scandal worse than expected, officials say

However, commissioner Guido Rossi said he thought the national team could avoid being dragged into the scandal and stay focused on the World Cup, which starts next week in Germany.

"I didn't expect to find such a serious situation," Rossi told the ANSA news agency Thursday. "I thought it was much more circumscribed."

Rossi, a former senator and expert in sporting law, was appointed May 16 to clean up Italian soccer after the scandal exploded.

Prosecutors across Italy are investigating possible manipulation of referee assignments, alleged rigging of Serie A matches, illegal betting and suspected false bookkeeping.

Italy, a three-time World Cup champion, is considered one of the favorites for the June 9-July 9 championship, the AP reports.

The scandal is centered on Juventus and its former general manager, Luciano Moggi. He and the entire Juventus board resigned, and the team faces possible relegation just weeks after winning its record 29th Serie A title. Lazio, AC Milan and Fiorentina have also been implicated, the AP reports.