Soccer: Veron future looks bleak

Juan Veron’s career is on the brink of ruin today after a federal prosecutor advised the Italian football federation (FIGC) to suspend the Lazio star for two years for obtaining a European passport by illegal means.

Veron had earlier denied speculation he is to join Manchester United in a £22million deal this summer following a hearing in Milan into the passport scandal which the Argentina midfielder is currently embroiled in.

Veron is accused of using a false birth certificate which claims he has Italian ancestry, allowing him to obtain the passport.

A decision regarding possible punishment could come as early as next week from the FIGC, who will consider the recommendation to punish numerous other players in Italy who stand accused of similar offences.

Earlier this week the federal prosecutor also advised a two-year ban for Inter’s Uruguayan star Alvaro Recoba, AC Milan’s Brazilian goalkeeper Dida, former Roma stars Fabio Junior and Gustavo Bartelt, and Vicenza’s Jeda e Dedh.

Veron, also due to appear in an Italian court on October 11 to face charges of gaining an Italian passport through false documentation, is maintaining his innocence.

‘‘I am here to understand fully what has happened given it has ruined my image. I will not accept these things,’’ stated Veron in front of a media circus.

If found guilty, though, Veron not only faces a ban from Italian football, but a worldwide suspension confirmed by governing body FIFA.

FIFA spokesman Andreas Herren said: ‘‘The FIFA Executive Committee met last Wednesday to discuss in principle the extension of bans for doping, match rigging and false passports.

‘‘In this case if there is formalisation of a ban by the Italian FA, then the ban would be extended to a worldwide level.’’

Veron was also quizzed regarding the interest from Manchester United, who recently held talks with the player’s representatives and Lazio, although it is understood they never reached a meaningful stage.

If United had pulled off the transfer coup, it would have been the second time in a matter of weeks the club would have smashed the British transfer record following the recent £19million capture of Ruud van Nistelrooy.

But Veron confirmed: ‘‘The rumours of me being close (to a move) to Manchester United? None of them are true.’’