Theo Hernández and seven players are investigated for nitrous oxide parties in Italy By Janderson Luiz
3 min read
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Vídeos released by Italian businessman Fabrizio Corona show Theo Hernández, left-back of Al-Hilal and ex-Milan, participating in parties where participants inhaled nitrous oxide. The player would have organized the events and purchased a van to transport guests. The images show the athlete with people holding balloons containing laughing gas, a popular substance in the environments of celebrities and professional athletes.
The disclosure is connected to a larger scandal involving Italian football. Aproximadamente 50 Série A players are under investigation by the Milão prosecutor’s office in a scheme that included nitrous oxide parties and forced prostitution. Corona mentions the participation of names such as Hakan Çalhanoğlu, Brahim Díaz, Gianluigi Donnarumma, Sandro Tonali, Zlatan Ibrahimović and Rafael Leão, all with recent or current stints at Milan.
Promotoria of Milão investigates exploitation of women
In April this year, the Milão prosecutor’s office opened a formal investigation against a company suspected of selling party packages combining nitrous oxide and prostitution. The process revealed that women were forced into prostitution without informed consent. Elas were selected by the players involved and received only 50% of the amount paid by customers.
Estimativas point out that more than 100 women, of different ages and nationalities, are involved in the scheme. The investigation documents that the victims came from vulnerable contexts and suffered from systematic pressure within the network. Gazzetta dello Sport, the main Italian sports newspaper, has been following the investigation since its opening.
Vídeos shows involvement of eight athletes
Nas images released by Corona, in addition to Theo Hernández, appears Samu Castillejo, who played for Milan between 2018 and 2022, holding a balloon with his mouth. The videos also show Çalhanoğlu, Díaz, Donnarumma, Tonali, Ibrahimović and Rafael Leão in similar situations. The disclosure comes in the context of increasing scrutiny over the behavior of Italian athletes.
- Theo Hernández (Al-Hilal, ex-Milan).
- Hakan Çalhanoğlu (Inter from Milão).
- Brahim Díaz (Real Madrid, ex-Milan).
- Gianluigi Donnarumma (Paris Saint-Germain, ex-Milan).
- Sandro Tonali (Newcastle, ex-Milan).
- Zlatan Ibrahimović (retired, ex-Milan).
- Rafael Leão (Milan).
- Samu Castillejo (ex-Milan, 2018-2022).
The left-back, currently at Al-Hilal, left Milan in 2023 after a period of prominence at Itália. Sua’s participation in parties documented on video makes him a direct target of the investigation, even though he is linked to a Saudi club. The player’s defense has not yet commented on the accusations.
Distinção legal between prostitution and sexual exploitation
Na Itália, as with Brasil, voluntary prostitution is not a crime. Porém, the organization of sexual activities by third parties and the exploitation of sex workers constitute serious crimes. The ongoing process points to a clear violation of these legal provisions. The scheme investigated goes beyond the simple consumption of nitrous oxide, encompassing a crime against human dignity.
Nitrous oxide, popularly known as laughing gas, is a substance used recreationally in social and festive contexts. Sua commercialization and use as a social drug are not illegal in many European countries, but its association with sexual exploitation significantly aggravates the nature of the crimes investigated. The Italian investigation delves into this intersection between recreational consumption and organized crime.
Repercussão in European and Saudi clubs
The impact of the case extends beyond Italian football. Top European Clubes, particularly Milan and Inter, face questions about institutional responsibility. Embora scheme involves activities outside the context of training and games, clubs are responsible for the conduct of their athletes. Liga Italiana follows legal developments with special attention.
Investimentos in Saudi football, specifically in Al-Hilal where Theo Hernández plays, also gain media attention. The transfer to the Saudi championship occurred in a context where investigations were already circulating in the Italian media. The presence of players involved in European scandals at Arábia Saudita clubs has become a point of discussion among critics of the modern football industry.
