FOOTBALL star Ciro Immobile’s academy is under investigation over the way hazardous waste was allegedly handled.
The Immobile Academy-Parlati Sports Centre was inaugurated in March by the former Italy international striker himself.
However, a probe was launched the following month after an inspection to assess the condition of the site.
The Torre Annunziata Prosecutor’s Office – south-east of Naples, Italy – found that the sports complex had allegedly been built without planning permission.
It also reportedly uncovered that a wooded area had been converted into a car park, and that hazardous waste had been handled illegally.
Six people have been placed under investigation, and an order was issued to seize the academy in nearby Torre del Greco.
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The suspects, who remain free, include three of Immobile’s family members, but not the footballer himself, as reported by NeedToKnow.
Prosecutors said in a statement that the suspects had carried out work “without the necessary building and landscape permits in an area subject to environmental restrictions”.
They added that for certain land parcels they had “changed the zoning designation from woodland to car park by excavating and backfilling the land and laying a layer of recycled asphalt”.
Immobile, who was part of the Italy squad that beat England to win Euro 2020 and formerly played for Lazio, hails from Torre Annunziata.
At the facility’s opening, he said: “This is where I kicked my first balls – I’ve fulfilled my childhood dream.”
Third-tier side Sorrento, whose own stadium is closed for renovations, had been training at the centre since the start of the season.
Immobile, 35, commented: “I was deeply saddened to hear about the seizure of the sports facility that bears my name.
“What pains me most is that this decision deprives so many children and young people – for whom the Academy was created – of the chance to play sport and have fun.
“I invested in the centre, relying on the best professionals in the field, solely to give them a proper space.
“As for the rest, I remain confident that the experts will demonstrate that the work carried out on the site was fully compliant, and I hope the ongoing investigation will clarify the facts and confirm that we acted correctly.”
Immobile was capped 57 times by Italy, scoring 17 goals, and currently plays for Serie A side Bologna.
