Italy’s top three divisions are given until August 20 to complete the season, but Serie C President Francesco Ghirelli warns ‘we are in no condition to play.’
While Serie A and B welcomed today’s announcement from the FIGC, it was a very different reaction in the third division, where clubs have already voted to terminate the 2019-20 season here.
Italy’s top three divisions are given until August 20 to complete the season, but Serie C President Francesco Ghirelli warns ‘we are in no condition to play.’
While Serie A and B welcomed today’s announcement from the FIGC, it was a very different reaction in the third division, where clubs have already voted to terminate the 2019-20 season here.
“I have to be honest here, what happened today in the Federation meeting was far from satisfactory,” wrote Ghirelli on the Lega Pro website.
“Serie C has a specific place in professional football, which is why there are Serie A, B and C divisions. We are in no condition to play, we were told that by 60 club medics, so why should we be hypocritical and say otherwise?
“Football needs to be reformed at its very foundations and in its culture. We are unable to guarantee health and security measures and the new protocol is simply beyond the resources of most Serie C clubs.
“I will discuss it with the Presidents again.”
There is the option of simply freezing the division as it stands, promoting the top three group winners and deciding the fourth via play-offs.
“We voted on this, but we can discuss them again. My sole aim is to protect the interests of the clubs and players, because health is paramount.”