Italy match-fixing probe expands

In just the latest of a number of match-fixing scandals around the world, the Italian Soccer Federation FIGC has launched an investigation to find out if dozens of matches last year were fixed.

The FIGC has taken hold of eight boxes of documents including wiretaps recorded during the inquiry into Genoa earlier this year. For those of you who do not remember, it was determined that the match Genoa won on the final day of last season was fixed. That win was enough to move them into Serie A, but as a penalty, the side was instead moved down to the third division.

This expanding of probe into match fixing is looking at 42 professional games including several in Serie A.

To add to the craziness of the situation, the lead prosecutor in the probe, Alberto Lari, received a non-functioning mail bomb on Tuesday. Police say the package had a detonator but no explosives. Perhaps a warning?

Soccer really doesn't need another match-fixing scandal right now, but I would rather see this out in the open being looked at then brushed under a rug. The Italian leagues have had a number of problems recently and need a good house cleaning. I just hope the prosecutors live long enough to see it through.