Chaos reigns in Serie B as league denies suspension claim

A blanket suspension of Serie B will not occur, according to a statement from the league that contradicts president Franco Frattini.

Published : Sep 19, 2018 02:30 IST

Serie B side Pro Vercelli in action.
Serie B side Pro Vercelli in action.
lightbox-info

Serie B side Pro Vercelli in action.

Lega Serie B has released a statement denying reports that the division has been suspended over the financial collapse of three teams, insisting president Franco Frattini declared as much "in haste".

The confusion stems from a protest by Siena, Novara, Catania, Ternana and Pro Vercelli against the decision not to replace a trio of clubs suspended from the second tier due to financial issues.

Serie B was due to continue with 19 teams after Bari, Avellino and Cesena were denied entry to the competition, and CONI (Italian Olympic Committee) dismissed the appeal from the five Serie C clubs, which had led to the start of Italy's third tier being delayed.

RELATED | Serie B suspended after Pro Vercelli wins appeal

The regional administrative court (Tar) of Lazio suspended CONI's ruling and Frattini said the league's Guarantee Committee would determine whether Serie B should have 22 or 19 teams on Friday.

However, a statement from Lega Serie B on Tuesday suggested otherwise.

"There is so much confusion that some are even talking about Serie B being suspended," it said in the release.

"The declarations of President Franco Frattini are in haste. Instead, the league will continue, regularly, because that is what millions of fans want and there is no ruling that forces its suspension. This sort of claim is not true and it provokes economic, organisational and sponsorship damages."

 

Sign in to unlock all user benefits
  • Get notified on top games and events
  • Save stories to read later
  • Access to comment on every story
  • Sign up / manage to our newsletters with a single click
  • Get notified by email for early bird access to discounts & offers to our products
Sign in

Comments

Comments have to be in English, and in full sentences. They cannot be abusive or personal. Please abide to our community guidelines for posting your comment