Lega Serie A President Lorenzo Casini reveals they have asked for clubs benefiting from financial aid to have their January transfer activity limited. ‘It’s not right they use these fiscal advantages to buy players.’
The issue dominated today’s assembly of the 20 Serie A clubs, which effectively didn’t even get started, as seven clubs walked out before the voting began.
This left only 12 in the hall, as Torino had not sent a representative.
Napoli President Aurelio De Laurentiis and Fiorentina patron Rocco Commisso are the most vocal in their complaints about the Government move to aid football clubs, claiming it will let clubs off for financial mismanagement.
The Government plan is to allow clubs to spread out the cost of certain taxes and contributions over several years, extending an idea that was already introduced during the pandemic.
“The Assembly confirmed the mandate to continue dialogue with the institutions to find the best way to deal with these fiscal obligations,” said President Casini in a press conference.
“The suspension of payment is a rule that has been introduced for all sport, not just football. It is true that football represents the majority, but that is not a negative thing.
“The debate now is whether or not clubs must pay an ulterior sanction to allow for that spreading out of cost.
“I wrote to (FIGC President Gabriele) Gravina that the Lega Serie A maintains clubs who benefit from the financial aid will not be allowed to perform transfer activity in the winter window that is unfunded.
“I also spoke about it to Minister Abodi, noting the objective of the clubs is that it’s not right they use these fiscal advantages to buy players without selling first.”
The plan to spread out the payment of taxes and other obligations was proposed by Lazio President Claudio Lotito, but prompted a strong and furious reaction from Napoli and Fiorentina in particular.