Inquiry opened into Luis Suárez’s Italian language test

Barcelona’s Uruguayan forward Luis Suarez celebrates after scoring a goal during the Spanish League football match between Villarreal and Barcelona at the Madrigal stadium in Villarreal on July 5, 2020. (Photo by JOSE JORDAN / AFP)

ROME— Authorities are investigating whether Barcelona striker Luis Suárez was illegally helped to pass an Italian language exam last week in order to receive a European passport that could help him transfer to a new club.

While Suárez is not under investigation, the director and general director of the Perugia university where the Uruguay forward took the exam are being investigated for allegedly helping him pass the test, Italian reports said Tuesday.

Suárez had been linked with a possible move to Italian champion Juventus.

Suárez’s test grade was allegedly fixed before he took the test.

Suarez is from Uruguay but has Italian ancestors. If he can obtain Italian citizenship, he wouldn’t have to occupy a non-EU spot with a new club.