ROME: Barcelona forward Luis Suarez is suspected of cheating to pass his Italian language test with the help of his teachers, the Perugia prosecutor’s department in charge of the investigation said on Tuesday.
The Italian exam was a first step required in order to receive a passport ahead of a possible transfer to Juventus.
“The investigation showed that the subjects discussed during the exam were agreed beforehand with the candidate and that the grade was awarded to him even before the test,” the prosecutor’s department said in a statement.
Local prosecutor Raffaele Cantone, a former head of Italy’s National Anti-Corruption Authority, had been carrying out an investigation since February into University for Foreigners officials over various irregularities. Suspicions over Suarez were aroused by an overheard conversation.
“But what do you think, that we’re going to fail him? Today I have the last lesson (with Suarez) and I have to prepare it because he barely speaks a word” of Italian, Stefania Spina, one of the people targeted by the investigation, is claimed to have said according to prosecution documents cited by Italian media.
Asked by a colleague what level Suarez “should pass” in Italian, Spina reportedly replied: “He should not, he must, he will pass, because with a salary of 10 million (euros) per season, you can’t make him fail” his exam, “even if he doesn’t know how to conjugate verbs and speak in the infinitive.”
Juventus coach Andrea Pirlo said last week a proposed deal for Suarez was unlikely to go ahead because of delays in the Uruguayan’s bid to get an Italian passport.
The Italian champions cannot recruit Suarez otherwise because they have already reached their quota for non-EU players.
Luis Suarez suspected of cheating on Italian exam
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Luis Suarez suspected of cheating on Italian exam
- The Italian exam was a first step required in order to receive a passport ahead of a possible transfer to Juventus
- Juventus coach Andrea Pirlo said a proposed deal for Suarez was unlikely to go ahead because of delays in the Uruguayan’s bid to get an Italian passport
Felix Auger-Aliassime and Jack Draper surprise youngsters at Dubai Tennis Championship clinic
- ATP stars connect with aspiring players during a special youth clinic at Dubai Tennis Stadium
DUBAI: Ahead of the ATP 500 men’s tournament at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships, former world No. 6 Felix Auger-Aliassime and British No. 1 Jack Draper surprised young tennis players during a clinic at the weekend.
The two players joined for drills and training with the young players and shared their sports journeys.
Draper said in a press release: “I remember being around Andy Murray when I was younger at the National Tennis Centre.
“I didn’t actually take part in a clinic, but I think it’s really amazing to give back, especially to young players. I remember when I was much younger and how inspiring it was to be around players like that.
“The kids were amazing, and I think they definitely learned something. It was also really nice to see their reactions.”
Draper also spoke about meeting Murray: “I was probably between 10 and 13, around the same age as these kids. I remember feeling like my dream was becoming a little more real after meeting him.
“Just being in his presence definitely made me want to play even more, because I looked up to him so much.”
Draper offered some advice: “Just enjoy your tennis, keep it simple, listen to the people who are trying to help you, and most importantly, have fun and enjoy it.”
For Auger-Aliassime, the clinic was particularly meaningful. “A lot of kids were good players,” said the Canadian, who reached the final in Dubai last year.
“They have bright futures in front of them. They were all happy to see us, and it’s nice to share some time with them because of the innocence of being a kid and having this dream of being a tennis player.
“It’s very nice to see smiles on their faces, and they have good energy on the court. There could be professional players in that group.”
He emphasized the importance of daily commitment in a young player’s development: “I mean, it’s nice and it’s inspiring.
“Some of them can take a little bit of inspiration from this, but the most important thing is what they do every day, you know, with their coaches and their families, what time they put in every day, that’s the most important.”
Among the participants was Megan Uzokwe, 10, who said: “I was really surprised when they arrived. I felt amazing and so happy … I learned new techniques, especially volleys, and I think I’ll remember this experience forever.”
The championships runs from Feb. 23 to 28 at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium.
