Pope Francis on Friday warned money “risks contaminating” football and called for a return to “sporting dignity” at a Vatican meeting with players from Italian Cup finalists Fiorentina and Napoli
Pope Francis (right) receives a ball signed by Fiorentina's players at the Vatican yesterday. Pic/AFP.
Vatican City: Pope Francis on Friday warned money “risks contaminating” football and called for a return to “sporting dignity” at a Vatican meeting with players from Italian Cup finalists Fiorentina and Napoli.
Pope Francis (right) receives a ball signed by Fiorentina's players at the Vatican yesterday. Pic/AFP.
ADVERTISEMENT
“Football is a big business now because of advertising, TV, et cetera. But the economic factor must not prevail over the sporting one because it risks contaminating everything,” he told them.
“As a boy, I used to go to the stadium a lot, I have happy memories. Joyful moments, on Sundays, with my family. I hope football and sports in general regains that sense of a celebration,” he said.
Napoli are marginal favourites against Fiorentina at the match on Saturday in Rome’s Olympic Stadium, hoping to clinch their club’s second finals triumph in three years.
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
