The ban on Andrea Cossu (a four-year ban) remains in effect. Until it expires, the former Cagliari star—270 games, 12 goals, 58 assists— will not be allowed to enter any football facility in Italy.
The Regional Administrative Court (TAR), in a ruling issued a few days ago, upheld the Cagliari Police Chief's decision, which was made following the plea bargain of six months (with a sentence converted into a €22,500 fine) agreed upon by Cossu in January 2023 in the trial arising from an investigation into the violence against the Sconvolts group, the Cagliari ultras.
According to the charges, the former Cagliari player, who held a managerial role in the Rossoblu club, had maintained relations with a fringe group of supporters considered violent. He was not charged with association , but according to the charges, he "provided a causally relevant contribution to the survival and strengthening" of the organization. Furthermore, he "provided members of the association with technical clothing used by Cagliari Calcio players during matches, which was subsequently raffled off or sold, the proceeds of which were used to finance the association." Furthermore, the TAR judges report, "he facilitated meetings between members and some Cagliari Calcio registered players, meetings which took place at the Asseminello sports center, during which the former expressed their grievances to the players and then-coach Rolando Maran regarding the team's poor results on the field and the circumstances surrounding Leonardo Pavoletti's injury." In addition to attending "the meetings of the ultras group and frequenting the headquarters so much that he had access to the keys".
A "diplomatic" role, as an ambassador for maintaining relations between the club and the fans, which in the eyes of the investigators had criminal connotations.
According to the TAR, "the assessment of the appellant's social danger is not unreasonable." Furthermore , he was not harmed at work either because he subsequently "also signed a new sports performance contract, which allows the interested party to continue working compatibly with the validity of the ban."
(Unioneonline)
