Lazio captain Stefano Mauri has match fixing ban increased

Lazio captain Stefano Mauri has had his ban for failing to report match fixing increased to nine months after losing an appeal against the original six-month suspension.

In addition to the increased ban, the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) also confirmed Lazio’s appeal against a 40,000 euro fine – issued in August for their objective liability in the case – had been turned down, and as a result, had been increased to  50,000 euros.

“The CGF…rejects the appeals of the footballer Stefano Mauri and of Lazio football club,” it said.

The player’s legal team, who described the ruling as “not only unjust but incomprehensible”, have 10 days to contest the decision at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

Mauri, 33, had initially been banned for six months by the football federation for not disclosing details about match-fixing in Lazio’s game against Lecce in May 2011.

The midfielder was one of eight players accused of sporting fraud relating to the Lecce match and a game against Genoa, both of which ended in 4-2 wins to the Rome side.

The ruling means that Mauri’s season is effectively over, with the ban keeping him out until at least May 2. His contract with the Serie A club expires at the end of the season.