Minister for Legislative Simplification Roberto Calderoli has angered Italy’s World Cup footballers by suggesting that they should decline possible bonuses because of the country’s economic situation. Mr Calderoli called upon the FIGC [ Italian Football Federation] to reduce any bonuses that might be paid.
FIGC president Giancarlo Abete has said that bonuses have not yet been discussed and will only be considered if Italy finishes in one of the top three places in the tournament. Goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has commented that he might consider donating part of a bonus if he knew where the money was going but other players have expressed anger and bewilderment.
This row comes on top of controversy surrounding midfield player Claudio Marchisio, who is accused of singing the words “Roma ladrona” [“Rome thief”] during the playing of the Italian national anthem before Saturday’s friendly game against Switzerland. This has been interpreted as an insult to Rome and the term is often used to refer to the corruption of Italian politics. In videos Marchisio’s teammates can be seen either laughing or looking surprised but the soundtrack is inconclusive. Marchisio and the Italian captain, Fabio Cannavaro, have said that they were merely out of time with the band and the singing of the crowd.
The anthem incident has led to calls from the media and from politicians for Marchisio to be dropped from Italy’s World Cup squad. Cannavaro, referring to both this and to Mr Calderoli’s suggestion, said on Monday that Italy is “a ridiculous country”.
In 2006 each player in the Italian team received 240,000 euros in bonuses for winning the World Cup.
Do you think that Marchisio should be dropped?
Do you think the team should give up their bonuses?
Do professional footballers earn too much?
