Palermo’s president, Maurizio Zamparini, has been fined the equivalent of £14,000 and suspended for suggesting the Fifa president, Gianni Infantino, bought the votes that led to his election in February.
The outspoken Zamparini, who took charge of Palermo in 2002, alleged that the Swiss-born Infantino had only been victorious “because he bought more votes than the Sheikh”, adding: “I hope they suspend me for having said that. It would be an honour for me.”
The 75-year-old was granted his wish on Friday, with an Italian Football Federation statement saying: “The national federal tribunal, chaired by the lawyer Sergio Artico, sanctioned the Palermo president, Maurizio Zamparini, with a 20-day suspension and a fine of €18,000,” read a statement.
“The Sicilian club was also fined €18,000. Zamparini had already been banned for some remarks that were offensive to Fifa president Gianni Infantino.”
