Marcell Jacobs, gold medalist at the Tokyo Games, has decided not to comment on the recent revelations of espionage involving him and his collaborators, which emerged in an article published today by Il Fatto Quotidiano.
Through a note released by his entourage, we learn that Jacobs has authorized his lawyer to evaluate the legal aspects of the situation, as a possible injured party.
The espionage charges
Filippo Tortu's brother Giacomo reportedly turned to the security and investigation company Equalize, which is currently under investigation for unlawful access to institutional databases. Giacomo Tortu's request was reportedly made in September 2020, a year before the Tokyo Olympics, and was about acquiring the results of Marcell Jacobs' blood tests. Furthermore, information suggests there was a request for access to private communications between Jacobs and his staff.
Filippo Tortu's position
Filippo Tortu promptly responded to the news, declaring: “I learned the news from the media. I trust that the facts will be clarified as soon as possible and that my name will not be associated with events from which I am totally unrelated”. Tortu’s position is complicated, since Giacomo, as a registered manager, could be subject to sanctions from the sports justice system. If the accusations were confirmed, it would be a behavior in violation of the principles of loyalty and fairness.
The sporting implications
At the moment, although there are no risks for Filippo Tortu, it is important to consider that any possible involvement could change the situation. The two athletes, Marcell Jacobs and Filippo Tortu, should participate together in the next World Championships in September, but the current circumstances make the possibility of their collaboration in the Italian relay uncertain.
