Ruggeri embroiled in scandal over alleged paid racist, blasphemous messages | OneFootball

Matteo Ruggeri is facing a scandal after claims he paid a woman to send insulting and racist audio messages for sexual gratification.

The accusation was made by Fabrizio Corona, a notorious gossip figure in Italian football. According to Football Italia, he has published material he says supports the allegation.

Corona was previously jailed for trying to blackmail clubs and players with off-field photographs. He was also found guilty of defamation against Mauro Icardi during the striker’s Inter spell, and made broad claims during the 2023 and 2024 betting scandal that did not pan out.

He claims to have screenshots showing Ruggeri paid a female fan €150 per transaction. He says the payments were for audio messages he found erotic, including blasphemous insults and racist language, allegedly requested by the Italy international.

Corona has also posted recordings of their conversations, featuring the alleged requests and Ruggeri’s reactions to the content. In Italy, players and coaches caught using blasphemous phrases receive at least a one-match ban.

Ruggeri has not commented on the allegations. The former Atalanta wing-back, who turns 24 next month, joined Atletico Madrid last summer for €17m plus add-ons and has been linked with a return to Serie A.

Source: Football Italia