Serie C Faces Turmoil: clubs Risk Exclusion Over Unpaid Wages
Italy’s Serie C, the third tier of professional football, is once again mired in uncertainty.As the penultimate matchday unfolds, the threat of exclusion looms large for several clubs due to financial irregularities. Two teams, Taranto and Turris, have already withdrawn, impacting the league standings as their results were nullified.
Financial Scrutiny Intensifies on Serie C Clubs
Four additional clubs—Messina, Foggia, Lucchese, and Triestina—are under scrutiny from the Covisoc, the Italian football supervisory commission, for failing to meet the April 16 deadline for salary payments.While Triestina partially met the requirement, the other three face significant penalties if thay fail to address the outstanding debts. These clubs risk being barred from participating in the next season.
Regulations and Penalties: What’s at Stake?
The FIGC (Italian Football Federation) regulations stipulate a stringent timeline for clubs to document salary payments. Article 85 of the NOIF (FIGC Internal Regulations) outlines these deadlines, while Article 33 of the Code of Sports Justice defines the corresponding sanctions. Key deadlines include:
- October 16: Payments for July 1 - August 31, 2024
- December 16: Payments for September-October
- february 16: Payments for November-January
- April 16: payments for February
- June 4: Payments for March-April
- September 16: Payments for May-June (under the national licensing system)
Failure to meet a deadline results in a minimum penalty of two points. Penalties are applied to the current season if the delay pertains to periods before February; otherwise, they are applied to the subsequent season. Clubs failing to meet deadlines for two consecutive two-month periods face exclusion from the league. To register for the next season, all outstanding payments must be settled.
Triestina’s Situation: A Glimmer of Hope?
Of the clubs under investigation, Triestina’s situation appears relatively more stable. Reports suggest the American-owned club has made salary payments; however, details remain unclear pending official confirmation. The coming weeks will be critical as these clubs scramble to meet their financial obligations and avoid serious consequences that could reshape the landscape of serie C.
Italian Soccer Clubs Face Financial Turmoil, Threatening League Stability
Several Italian soccer clubs are grappling with severe financial difficulties, raising concerns about their ability to compete and even continue in their respective leagues. The situation, affecting teams across Serie C and potentially beyond, stems from unpaid wages, taxes, and contributions, leading to penalties, point deductions, and even potential exclusion from future competitions.
Serie C Teams in Crisis
Lucchese, Foggia, and ACR Messina are among the clubs facing the most immediate threats. Lucchese has faced months of economic hardship and at one point relied on a local restaurant to fund an away game. Foggia’s outgoing president, Nicola Canonico, admitted to not paying salaries and has put the club up for sale for six million euros, with an additional 1.3 million euros needed to cover outstanding payments. ACR Messina was short 312,000 euros and was unable to secure funds to resolve it. financial woes mean that even securing their spot on the field may not be enough to guarantee participation in the next championship.
Taranto and Turris Already Excluded
Taranto and turris have already been excluded from Group C due to repeated failures to meet financial obligations.The FIGC (Italian Football Federation) announced their exclusion between March 7 and 12, resulting in the annulment of their match results and point deductions for teams that had played against them.
Wider Impact on Italian Soccer
The issues extend beyond these clubs, with Novara, Ternana, Catania, and Rimini also facing penalties or investigations in recent months. Casertana, another team in Serie C, highlights the competitive imbalance, suggesting that the league has not followed proper procedure and is considering requesting a block on the playout phase.
FIGC responds with Stricter Regulations
In response to the widespread financial instability, the FIGC has announced changes to the national licensing system.These modifications include doubling the required financial guarantee (fideiussione) for Serie C clubs from 350,000 to 700,000 euros, in an attempt to tighten requirements for league participation and ensure financial solvency among clubs. The FIGC hopes that more stringent requirements will help prevent future crises and maintain the league’s integrity.
Italian football faces structural challenges requiring significant reform to ensure long-term stability, especially regarding ownership changes and league sustainability.
Crackdown on Ownership Changes Proposed to Stabilize Italian Football
To address weaknesses within Italian football, a leading sports lawyer suggests preemptive measures concerning club ownership and league size. Cesare Di Cintio,an attorney specializing in sports law,advocates for enhanced oversight of ownership transitions and a reduction in the number of professional teams.
FIGC Urged to Implement Preventative Checks on Football Club Owners
Di Cintio emphasizes the need for the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) to establish specific regulations allowing preventative checks on potential new owners. He highlights that the current system only allows for retrospective examinations of a club’s financial health.
While acknowledging that the league cannot prohibit the purchase of a private company, Di Cintio argues for implementing safeguard mechanisms, given the league’s private nature. He suggests the league could play a vital role by providing approval for ownership changes only after verifying specific requirements.
Is Serie C Too big? Concerns Raised about Sustainability of Italian League System
Sustainability is another key concern. di Cintio argues the current structure with 60 professional teams across Serie B and Serie C is unsustainable. The disparity within Serie C is especially problematic, with some clubs possessing fan bases large enough for Serie A while others operate at a semi-professional level.Di Cintio argues the coexistence of teams with such different profiles makes maintaining the system unachievable.
Could Serie C clubs still be excluded from the league despite recent FIGC interventions?
Serie C Financial Crisis: Your Burning Questions Answered
Italy’s Serie C is in turmoil, with multiple clubs facing exclusion due to unpaid wages. Here’s what you need to know:
Q&A: Unpacking the Serie C Crisis
What’s happening in Serie C?
Several clubs are struggling financially, primarily due to unpaid salaries. This can lead to point deductions, exclusion from the league, and the nullification of match results.
Which clubs are in the most trouble?
Lucchese, Foggia, and ACR Messina are facing the most immediate threats. Taranto and Turris have already been excluded. Triestina is under scrutiny, but their situation appears more stable.
What are the penalties for not paying salaries?
Failure to meet salary payment deadlines results in a minimum penalty of two points. Multiple failures to meet deadlines can lead to exclusion from the league. To register for the next season, all outstanding payments must be settled.
What are the key deadlines for salary payments?
The FIGC sets strict deadlines: October 16 (July-August), December 16 (September-October), February 16 (November-January), April 16 (February), June 4 (March-April), and september 16 (May-June).
What is the FIGC doing to address the crisis?
The FIGC is implementing stricter regulations, including doubling the required financial guarantee for Serie C clubs to 700,000 euros. They are also considering preventative checks on potential new club owners.
Why is the league structure being questioned?
Some experts believe the current structure, with 60 professional teams across Serie B and Serie C, is unsustainable. The disparity in club profiles within Serie C, from semi-professional to those with Serie A-sized fan bases, exacerbates the problem.
What can fans do?
Support your teams by attending matches, buying merchandise, and staying informed.Follow the news to understand the financial situation of your club.
Trivia: Italian football has a rich history, but financial issues are common. This crisis is a reminder of the need for sustainable financial management.
The future of Serie C and Italian football depends on addressing these financial challenges and implementing lasting reforms. Stay informed and support the gorgeous game!
