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Napoli goalkeeper Pepe Reina to face disciplinary hearing over mafia links

Pepe Reina waves to Napoli fans following the Serie A win against Atalanta. Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images

Outgoing Napoli goalkeeper Pepe Reina has been summoned to a hearing at the Italian football federation over his association with people with links to the mafia.

Reina, along with Paolo Cannavaro and Salvatore Aronica, is to face the FIGC's disciplinary committee after an investigation by Naples' anti-mafia department.

It is reportedly one of the reasons why Napoli decided not to renew Reina's contract, with the former Liverpool goalkeeper set to move to AC Milan on a free transfer.

The FIGC says Reina "has had and continues to have inopportune association and friendship with Gabriele Esposito, Francesco Esposito and Giuseppe Esposito." It adds that that includes holidays and "an exchange of favours."

Cannavaro, who had two spells with Napoli, retired at Sassuolo last year. Aronica also spent several years at the southern club before joining Palermo in 2013.