Overview
- The preliminary judge, Patrizia Nobile, wrote that the June 2024 decree labeling the Milano‑Cortina 2026 Foundation a private entity violates EU Directive 2014/24 and international anti‑corruption obligations.
- The judge transmitted the question of constitutionality to the Constitutional Court and suspended proceedings against seven suspects until a ruling, which is expected well after the 2026 Winter Games.
- Prosecutors maintain the Foundation meets the criteria for a public‑law body due to public appointments, pursuit of a general interest, and the absence of true market risk given public guarantees and a €107 million 2023 deficit recorded by the Court of Auditors.
- The investigation focuses on allegedly manipulated digital‑services awards, including a €1.9 million contract to Vetrya in March 2021 and a June 2023 award to Deloitte, with bid‑rigging alleged and corruption hypotheses assessed but not substantiated to date.
- The ordinance criticizes the decree for creating a de facto “free zone” of immunity for Foundation staff, while the government says it trusts the Constitutional Court and asserts compliance with national and EU rules.