BEVERLY HILLS, April 21, (THEWILL) – Gabriele Gravina, the President of the Italian Football Federation, or the Federazione Italiana Giuoco Calcio (FIGC), has remarked that there cannot be any punishment meted out on the three Italian teams who committed to the Super League. His rationale for this stance is based on the fact that, as an idea, the new League failed to materialise.
THEWILL recalls that Serie A heavyweights Inter Milan, Juventus and AC Milan agreed to be part of the 12 founding members of the breakaway competition which was set to rival the Champions League as the biggest football competition across Europe.
However, a barrage of negative reactions from fans, management staff and supporter bases ultimately led to the Super League’s collapse. This was immediately followed by suggestions for punishments that ought to be dished out to those who participated in the agreements to create the new League, to act as deterrent.
Gravina doused all such moves with the outright refusal to lay any sanctions on the trio of Italian clubs that were involved since the Super League collapsed before it could be actively participated in.
Speaking about his position, Gravina said: “We have strongly defended the boundaries of the values and rules of the world of football.
“It seems to me that everything is back to normal, but it must make us reflect on the fact that something is not working. It’s a stimulus. Remedies and proposals are needed to prevent further escapes going forward.
“I have no scheduled meetings with the top management of the three clubs, on Monday there will be the federal council, but no forms of trials or sentences are planned.”
The philosophy behind his decision was clear: “An idea that has not materialised cannot be sanctioned. If in the future, projects in contrast with the statutory norms should materialise, the bodies of justice will evaluate.”
As THEWILL reported, however, Juventus has not given up on hopes for a different format than what presently operates with UEFA and released a statement committing to the league, with the concession that the Super League could not go on in its current form, at the moment.
It is uncertain if that will push the hand of Gravina to hand down some punitive measures as the Turin-based side’s recalcitrance to follow in the footsteps of the Milan clubs might be considered in a different light from the blanket excuse granted to others.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
