Manolo Portanova, the Reggiana midfielder convicted of group sexual assault, took the field again just days after Florence’s Appeals Court upheld his six-year prison sentence. The confirmation came on April 16, 2026, nearly five years after the alleged incident in Siena during the night of May 30–31, 2021. Portanova, then a Genoa player, was accused of participating in a sexual assault against a 21-year-old student at a private residence in the city’s historic center. The court found him guilty of violence sessuale di gruppo e lesioni — group sexual assault and bodily harm — upholding the original verdict from the trial court.
Despite the conviction, Portanova appeared in Reggiana’s lineup for their Serie B match against Cosenza on April 20, 2026. He played the full 90 minutes in a 1–1 draw, according to match reports from Italian sports outlets. His presence on the pitch sparked immediate criticism from advocacy groups and raised questions about whether Italian football’s governing bodies are enforcing their own disciplinary rules. The Italian Football Federation’s (FIGC) Codice di Giustizia Sportiva states that athletes convicted of crimes against personal integrity with a definitive sentence face suspension or bans of no less than three years. However, because Portanova’s sentence is not yet definitive — he has announced plans to appeal to the Court of Cassation — the FIGC has not triggered automatic sanctions.
This legal loophole allows convicted players to continue playing while appeals are pending, a situation that critics say undermines accountability in sport. Portanova’s lawyer, Gabriele Bordoni, told reporters outside the courthouse that his client maintains innocence and intends to pursue all legal avenues. “È assurdo, sono cinque anni che sto vivendo una situazione incredibile,” Portanova said after the verdict, repeating his claim of innocence and insisting he has evidence to prove it. The victim’s legal representative, Jacopo Meini, expressed satisfaction with the appellate ruling, noting the importance of upholding the survivor’s testimony through two levels of judgment.
The case has drawn attention not only for its legal specifics but for what it reveals about power dynamics in Italian football. A commentary published in Il Fatto Quotidiano on April 26, 2026, highlighted how sports institutions often prioritize competitive continuity over ethical responsibility when players face serious criminal charges. The article pointed out that while Portanova remains eligible to play under current rules, his continued presence sends a troubling message about how violence against women is treated within football culture. Advocacy groups like Donna Chiama Donna, which supported the plaintiff throughout the trial, have called for stricter enforcement of existing regulations and greater transparency in how clubs handle such cases.
Reggiana has not issued a public statement detailing its internal response to the conviction. The club, which signed Portanova in 2023 after his release from Genoa, continues to list him as an active player on its official roster. Serie B, Italy’s second-tier league, has also not intervened, citing the absence of a definitive conviction as grounds for inaction. This stance contrasts with policies in other sports: for example, FIFA regulations permit member associations to suspend players pending investigation for serious offenses, and several national federations have implemented temporary bans in similar cases while appeals are underway.
The next legal development in Portanova’s case will be his appeal to the Court of Cassation, though no date has been set for the hearing. Until then, he remains free to train and play under supervision, as no preventive detention was ordered following the appellate ruling. His ability to participate in matches depends solely on his physical availability and Reggiana’s selection decisions — not on any sporting sanction tied to his criminal conviction.
As the legal process continues, the broader debate over accountability in sports shows no signs of slowing. For fans, journalists, and administrators alike, the Portanova case forces an uncomfortable reckoning: when a player is found guilty by two courts of a violent crime, how long should the game look away before insisting that the jersey comes off?
Archysport will continue to follow this story as it develops, monitoring both legal proceedings and any potential actions by football authorities. Readers are encouraged to share thoughtful perspectives in the comments below and to spread awareness by sharing this article with others who care about the intersection of sport, justice, and integrity.
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