Freiburg sporting CEO Jochen Saier revealed that a member of the Juventus management told him that they were ‘optimistic’ of recovering the 15 points deducted by the FIGC.
The German side, who are in the midst of a renaissance in the Bundesliga, qualified for the knock-out stages of the Europa League after topping a group containing Nantes, Qarabag and Olympiacos.
Juventus dispatched of Nantes in their play-off tie, restoring a little confidence on the European stage after their disastrous Champions League campaign. Last month, the club were handed a 15-point deduction for this Serie A season by the FIGC court for allegedly falsifying their capital gains.
Speaking via Calciomercato.com, Saier weighed in on Juventus’ point deduction and revealed a conversation he had with Gianluca Pessotto, the Bianconeri’s staff coordination manager.
“Juventus, without the 15-point penalty, would be second in the league, so they are a top team. They’re usually a Champions League team, so it’s definitely a big commitment for us.
“I don’t know the details, but if I look at the league table, without the 15-point deduction they would be second right now, I repeat. That says it all and I think the case has not yet been resolved or closed.
“Furthermore, I have just spoken to a colleague from Juventus – Pessotto – and he is optimistic that the points will be returned. Obviously, it’s not a pleasant situation for them.”
Juventus also face further sanctions as a result of the Prisma investigation, which is being carried out by the Turin Public Prosecutor’s Office.