Parma President Tommaso Ghirardi has confirmed that he will put the club up for sale as of July 1.
The Crociati enjoyed a stunning campaign last time out, finishing in sixth place and qualifying for the Europa League.
But after an unpaid tax bill, the FIGC revealed that they would not grant the Ennio Tardini outfit a UEFA licence to play in the competition. The Veneto side appealed the decision to the High Court, but it was announced yesterday that the sanction would be upheld.
Parma President Tommaso Ghirardi has confirmed that he will put the club up for sale as of July 1.
The Crociati enjoyed a stunning campaign last time out, finishing in sixth place and qualifying for the Europa League.
But after an unpaid tax bill, the FIGC revealed that they would not grant the Ennio Tardini outfit a UEFA licence to play in the competition. The Veneto side appealed the decision to the High Court, but it was announced yesterday that the sanction would be upheld.
As such, Torino, who finished in seventh, have been given the Europa League place, and Ghirardi has admitted that the team is now up for sale.
“I wanted to convene this conference to be a bit more clear on what has happened,” he told gathering reporters.
“The UEFA licence problem is due to the stadium and overdue debts with other clubs, that we have honoured to the last penny.
“We have submitted all the necessary documents. On April 30 we were contacted by COVISOC at 13.30 that day to say there was a small irregularity.
“I spoke to them personally, and they told me that the tax on nine incentives [in players’ contracts] had not been paid.
“We have so many players, young players that sometimes you can’t remember. But you have to pay the tax on that. I’ve been here for seven years and I have always done that.
“No one said anything to me until April 30, but I am convinced that we have paid – we have fulfilled our requirements.
“I won’t name names, but I was advised on what to do by members of the Federation. This is the truth.
“No one can deny that. There are phone calls, messages, emails. I have spoken with the League and the Federation, who gave me directions on what to do.
“And that has led to the failure to give us a UEFA licence. My staff have done everything by the rules.
“Only a fool would think that this is an act of cunning to save €300,000, after spending €13m and now losing €8m.
“When I am calmer I will assess who will reimburse me for these damages.
“We are good people who run a good house. But they have managed to push me away from the game. I’m done with football.
“I’m done. I’m resigning as Parma President, and as of July 1 a new story will begin.
“Parma is now for sale.”