Luis Suarez: University of Perugia insists Italian exam for passport was legitimate amid police investigation
The University for Foreigners of Perugia has insisted the Italian language exam passed by Barcelona striker Luis Suarez was legitimate.
Police in Italy have opened an investigation into the test, amid claims of a number of irregularities.
Suarez travelled to Italy after training last Thursday and returned to Barcelona later in the day after passing the exam, which is part of the requirements for the Uruguayan to obtain an Italian passport.
According to reports in Italy, police were alerted because the two-hour exam was completed in just 30 minutes, while it is also claimed that the questions were given to the striker in advance.
"Regarding the ongoing investigations, the University for Foreigners of Perugia reaffirms the veracity and transparency of the procedures followed for the examination carried out by the footballer Luis Suarez and trusts that this will be confirmed at the end of the verifications that are ongoing," a short statement from the institution read on Tuesday.
The 33-year-old striker was wanted by Juventus and an Italian passport would allow the South American to occupy one of the non-European player slots for the Serie A champions.
However, coach Andrea Pirlo admitted on Sunday that the process is likely to take too long and Atletico Madrid have now emerged as favourites to sign Suarez.
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