Rome prosecutors have launched a major investigation into Simone Pepe and Giuseppe Sculli, both former Serie A footballers, alleging they operated as unlicensed sports agents while negotiating contracts and financial deals for young players. The charges, brought by prosecutor Saverio Francesco Musolino, include forgery, unlawful practice of the agent profession, and attempted extortion.
The Investigation and Allegations
According to the Rome prosecutor's office, Pepe and Sculli managed negotiations for football prospects without holding the required agent credentials. The pair allegedly filed contracts bearing forged signatures with Coni, Italy's Olympic committee, while purporting to represent young talent. Also under investigation are sports agent Luigi Iachini Bellisarii—the only licensed agent involved—and lawyer Alessandro Buccieri.
Court documents reveal that the suspects targeted promising players with connections to major Italian clubs. Two victims are named: Costantino Favasuli, a prospect who developed through Fiorentina's youth academy, and Davide Bettella, a defender who progressed through Inter, Atalanta, and Frosinone's youth systems. When both players attempted to terminate their professional relationships with the group, the investigation alleges the suspects demanded penalty payments worth hundreds of millions of euros.
How the Scheme Operated
Despite Iachini Bellisarii holding the official license to act as a sports agent, prosecution evidence suggests Pepe, Sculli, and Buccieri conducted the substantive work. Their role included identifying prospects, leading salary negotiations, and structuring financial agreements—all activities requiring proper regulatory authorisation under Italian football law. By placing themselves between young players and clubs while lacking credentials, the investigation claims they violated federal Serie A and federation guidelines governing player representation.
The case highlights ongoing vulnerabilities in Italian football's agent oversight system. Unlicensed representation has long plagued the sport, with unqualified intermediaries exploiting young talent who lack legal expertise. This investigation could trigger stricter enforcement of licensing requirements across Italian professional football and serve as a warning to clubs about verifying agent credentials before engaging in contract discussions.
The Rome prosecutor's office continues its examination of financial records and communications as the case advances through the Italian courts.
