FIGC President Gabriele Gravina insists a Serie A reform is needed and claims he can’t mediate between Juventus and UEFA or between Inter and their players.
There are reports Serie A could return to 18 clubs, and Gravina insisted a reform is needed.
FIGC President Gabriele Gravina insists a Serie A reform is needed and claims he can’t mediate between Juventus and UEFA or between Inter and their players.
There are reports Serie A could return to 18 clubs, and Gravina insisted a reform is needed.
“To reform is a fundamental principle to me. However, 2024 is still far away and Serie A has the absolute priority. Time must be an ally, not an enemy,” Gravina told media after a meeting with the Lega Dilettanti in Milan, according to Sportmediaset.
UEFA has opened a disciplinary investigation against Juventus, Real Madrid and Barcelona, who haven’t yet abandoned the Super League.
Earlier this week, Gravina said the Old Lady would be excluded from Serie A if they don’t withdraw from the competition.
“We are on good terms with Juventus, I had a positive meeting with Agnelli yesterday, but I can’t mediate [with UEFA]. Juventus must respect the rules.
“The subscription to Serie A has a mandatory deadline, Juventus must respect the rules of the game, clearly carved in our national statute that is inspired by the one of UEFA.
“The two parties are getting close to each other as the days pass by. I think Agnelli proved to be open to the dialogue, UEFA’s decision does not depend on me.”
Inter are also facing a tricky situation with President Steven Zhang, who has asked his players to give up on two months wages.
“I can’t intervene to find an agreement between the two parties,” Gravina said.
“Today, however, we are at a point of closure. Commitments must be respected by the end of the season.
“If the two parties reach an agreement, we can’t avoid it. We were worried that a potential deal would have lowered the value of the competition. I understand there are tensions, but common sense is needed.
“The pandemic has hit the economy of sport, and we can’t pretend everything is fine. This is not a problem for the entire system, not just for Inter.”