Lega Serie A President Luigi De Siervo has sensationally accused the Italian Government and system of ‘hating football.’
The sport has been battling against the authorities over several different issues, including permission to build new stadiums, go above 75 per cent capacity during the COVID pandemic and support clubs amid financial difficulty.
“Our country is one in which, as seen by the facts as they happened, the political class proves that it hates football,” De Siervo told Il Sole 24 Ore newspaper.
“It is important to remember that Serie A is the economic motor behind the whole system. Our position is serious, we have not asked the Government for financial assistance, but just to open up discussions for reforms so we can remove unfair limits and get the most out of our product.
“We ask for the opportunity to be back competing on the international market without being penalised by our own Government.”