Clear up Italy's betting scandal

Thirty people in Italy are suspected of having manipulated first, second and third division football matches to make profits with bets. The government has now set up a board of inquiry to deal with the matter. This must produce results, urges the left-liberal daily La Repubblica, because this betting scandal is about more than a couple of rigged matches: "We can't afford to underestimate the impact of this new scandal. Football captivates millions of people and defines patterns of behaviour and rules. Behavioural studies have even produced evidence of reduced suicide rates in countries whose national teams qualify for the World Cup finals. Young people dream of football, they identify with the players. The determination with which action is taken against illegal dealings in this sport has an impact on how the less well educated, in particular, react to violations of rules."

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