I’m not sure you’d call this a sport as such, but it still have to be seen to be believed!
Interestingly enough, diving over the finish line like this is perfectly legal (even if it is somewhat frowned upon) even in the olympics. It could be argued that it’s last ditch and rather dangerous, so perhaps one day events will transpire that will leap to this tactic being banned in athletics. Until then we’ll have the odd very occasion lunge to enjoy / watch in horror!
Rather you than me!
The infamous “Calciopoli” scandal sent shockwaves through the heart of Italian football in 2006, uncovering a web of match-fixing that implicated several esteemed clubs and tarnished the sport’s integrity. This dark chapter of Italian football history involved revered clubs such as Juventus, AC Milan, Fiorentina, and Lazio, casting a shadow over their illustrious reputations.
The scandal was thrust into the public eye when Italian authorities intercepted incriminating phone conversations between Luciano Moggi, the former general manager of Juventus, and various referees. These damning conversations revealed Moggi’s attempt to influence referees in favour of Juventus, as well as discussions about match outcomes with other club officials.
The revelation triggered an extensive investigation conducted by the Italian Football Federation (FIGC), which uncovered a long-standing match-fixing scheme orchestrated by Moggi. Furthermore, it implicated other club officials in the scandalous affair, revealing the pervasive nature of corruption within the Italian football landscape.
The repercussions of Calciopoli were severe and far-reaching. Juventus, the most high-profile club involved, paid a hefty price, being stripped of their hard-earned Serie A titles from 2005 and 2006, while enduring relegation to Serie B for a season. AC Milan faced a significant deduction of 30 points for the 2006-2007 season and was compelled to play two home matches in empty stadiums. Fiorentina and Lazio also felt the consequences, both suffering a 15-point deduction for the same season.
The Calciopoli scandal dealt a severe blow to Italian football, leaving an indelible stain on its reputation and shaking the faith of fans across the nation. The fallout was palpable, resulting in a decline in attendance at Serie A matches and eroding trust in the FIGC’s ability to govern the sport effectively.
