The Italian men’s water polo team is facing a lesson in discipline after their misconduct in Paris. Unhappy with the refereeing decisions, the Italian athletes took matters into their own hands, verbally insulting the match officials. The situation escalated further when some players physically as—lted the referees, creating chaos in the pool. Unsurprisingly, the Integrity Unit of World Aquatics has launched a full investigation into the incident.

In a recently released statement, World Aquatics announced a six-month ban for the Italian men’s water polo team. In addition to the ban, the players will be fined $50,000. This punishment will prove costly, as the team will be unable to participate in the World Cup, which is scheduled for January 2025. However, once their ban concludes in April 2025, Italy will be eligible to compete in the World Aquatics Championships, expected to take place in July 2025.

According to the statement from World Aquatics, the Italian athletes were charged for “breaching Article 5 of the World Aquatics Integrity Code.” Not only the players, but the allegations involved the entire pool of members, including the coaching and support staff. Well, the incident dates back to August 7, when Italy was facing off against Hungary in their quarterfinal match. Looking for an equalizer in the second quarter of the match, Italy’s Francesco Condemi had a goal disallowed as he hit a Hungarian player in the face.

This led to Condemi sitting out, giving Hungary a one-man advantage. Although the Italians managed to draw level (9-9) by the time the final whistle blew, they were defeated in the penalty shootout by Hungary. This outcome did not sit well with the Italian team. After the match, they confronted the referees, verbally ab-sing them so aggressively that the officials were forced to flee the area. Shockingly, coach Alessandro Campagna was among the most vocal during the incident.

Italy’s Coach Campagna threatened the referees 

Alessandro Campagna was infuriated by the disallowed goal right from the word go. Soon after the match ended, Campagna termed the decision “unacceptable.” Analyzing the play, the Italian coach stated that while making a shooting move, there is almost zero probability of making a violent play. He further poured out all his anger on the referees after the match, even threatening to ‘finish their career’.

As per the statement of the World Aquatics, Campagna said to the referee, “What do you know for water polo? You are from Montenegro… your career as a referee is finished.” Moreover, the Italians held their grudge in their next consolation game against Spain. 

During the ceremonial presentation, the Italian men’s water polo team turned their backs on their Spanish counterparts and the referees, causing mass discontent in the arena. Thus, with the verdict being out, it remains a stark example of the fact that going against the rule will never be tolerated.