Former footballers Simone Pepe and Giuseppe Sculli banned for 18 months

The National Federal Tribunal has issued an 18-month ban and a 20,000 euro fine to former Italian footballers Simone Pepe and Giuseppe Sculli for illegally practicing as sports agents. The sanctions, also applied to lawyer Alessandro Buccieri, a minority partner in SP Management Srl, follow findings that the individuals negotiated financial terms and participated in contract signings without the required professional licenses.

The case involves investigations by the Rome Prosecutor's Office regarding the mediation of terms for young players, including Costantino Favasuli and Davide Bettella. Investigators allege that contracts were filed with forged signatures. Furthermore, the two former players face criminal investigations for unauthorized professional practice, forgery, and attempted extortion, following allegations that they sought hundreds of thousands of euros in penalties after players attempted to terminate their professional relationships.