The mafia is killing Italian football

The Mafia Is Killing Italian Football

The video titled “The mafia is killing Italian football” explores the deep and growing influence of the mafia, particularly the ‘Ndrangheta clan, within Italian football. It focuses on the events surrounding Milan’s two biggest clubs, AC Milan and Inter Milan.

The Violent Incident That Sparked Attention

The story begins with a violent incident on September 4th, 2024, involving:

• Andrea Beretta, leader of Inter Milan’s hardcore fan group (Ultras)
• Antonio Baloko, a mafia heir

Baloko was stabbed 21 times, highlighting the deadly stakes behind the scenes. While mafia involvement in Italian football is not new, it has become more overt, especially within the Ultras groups that control much of the stadium atmosphere and operations.

Origins and Expansion of the Mafia

The video traces the origins of the mafia from Sicily and southern Italy, explaining how groups like the ‘Ndrangheta evolved from violent gangs into sophisticated criminal organizations. Their activities include:

• Drug trafficking
• Money laundering
• Control of legitimate businesses worldwide

The ‘Ndrangheta has expanded its influence into Milan, Italy’s richest city and a football powerhouse.

Mafia Infiltration in Milan Football Clubs

Italian football clubs, especially AC Milan and Inter Milan, generate hundreds of millions of euros annually, making them attractive targets for mafia infiltration. Key points include:

• The mafia strategically took control of the Ultras groups—fan organizations with significant power in stadiums.
• Ultras provide community and identity but also have a dark side, including violence and criminal activity.
• The ‘Ndrangheta installed Antonio Baloko into a leadership position within Inter’s Ultras.
• They demanded free tickets and extorted the club, especially during high-profile matches like the 2023 UEFA Champions League final.
• Control expanded over parking, food stalls, merchandise, and ticket scalping around the San Siro stadium, turning it into a lucrative mafia franchise.

Escalation and Legal Crackdown

Tensions between mafia leaders erupted in violence, culminating in Beretta killing Baloko. This murder gave Italian police an opportunity to crack down on the Ultras. Key developments include:

• In June 2024, 19 Ultras were convicted of crimes including murder and extortion linked to the ‘Ndrangheta.
• Beretta admitted to ordering hits and received a reduced sentence after cooperating with authorities.
• AC Milan and Inter Milan faced fines and suspensions related to their contacts with Ultras.

Wider Mafia Influence and Club Responses

The scandal exposed mafia infiltration in Ultras groups across Italy, including clubs like:

• Juventus
• Lazio
• Napoli

In response, clubs have started rejecting season ticket requests from Ultras members, effectively disempowering fan groups under the guise of combating crime. This has led to concerns that:

The mafia’s influence will continue to erode the passionate, grassroots culture of Italian football, leaving clubs freer to profit without fan scrutiny.

Conclusion: The Loss of Authentic Fan Culture

The video closes by lamenting the loss of the authentic, vibrant fan culture once central to Italian football, now compromised by mafia corruption and club crackdowns.

---

Presenters and Sources

• Narrator (unnamed)
• Martino (football anthropologist)
• Various Italian police and court officials (referenced)
• Sam Ellis (Search Party host and correspondent)