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2006 FIFA World Cup winner handed two-year sentence in mafia trial

Vincenzo Iaquinta has suffered a two-year jail sentence for his association with mafias

2006 FIFA World Cup winner handed two-year sentence in mafia trial

The 2006 World Cup winner was indicted in December 2015 for illegal possession of firearms, not to mention aiding the Calabrian mafia, 'Ndrangheta'.

On Wednesday, Iaquinta was found guilty of illegal possession of firearms, resulting in a two year prison sentence.

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Iaquinta wasn't the only person in his family sentenced as his father, Giuseppe, was found guilty of mafia association. He's been sentenced to 19 years.

Per Football Italia: "Under Italian law Iaquinta will not be considered guilty until he has exhausted all levels of appeal, so he won't be imprisoned immediately for a minor sentence."

"The name 'Ndrangheta, we do not even know what it is in our family," he said outside the court. "It is not possible. They ruined my life for nothing, because I am Calabrian.

"I am suffering like a dog for my family and my children without having done anything, but I have won a World Cup and I am proud to be Calabrian.

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"We have not done anything we have nothing to do with the 'Ndrangheta."

As per Italian law, the 38-year-old is allowed two appeals before the judge's verdict becomes final.

Iaquinta also featured for Udinese, Padova, Cesena, Reggiolo and Castel di Sangro throughout his 16-year career.

Iaquinta, a former Juventus, Udinese and Cesena player, won the World Cup with his country in 2006, netting in a 2-0 debut win against Ghana, while he can also count a Serie A title to his name won with Juventus in 2013.

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