Accusations Pursue Ruggeri: Allegations of Paying for Racist and Offensive Messages

A controversy has arisen around Matteo Ruggeri, Atletico Madrid and Italy national team player, following accusations related to paying a woman for sending voice messages containing offensive and racist phrases, allegations which the player has not yet commented on.

The 'Football Italia' website reported that these accusations were made by Fabrizio Corona, known in Italy for stirring controversy, who has previously been convicted in extortion and defamation cases, and who also made claims during the betting scandal in 2023 and 2024 which were not proven true.

The report indicated that Corona published what he claimed were images of financial transfers worth 150 euros each, alleging that Ruggeri paid them to a fan in exchange for receiving voice messages containing insults and racist phrases, claiming they were sent at the player's direct request.

The same source added that Corona also published audio recordings he claimed were of conversations between the parties, including requests attributed to Ruggeri and his reactions, while no official response has been issued by the player regarding these allegations.

Ruggeri, who will turn twenty-four next year, joined Atletico Madrid last summer from Atalanta for 17 million euros plus bonuses.