Mauro Balata, the president of Lega Serie B, discussed his division’s participation at the World Cup in Qatar and the Manolo Portanova case.
Three Serie B players were called up to compete in the World Cup – Bari’s Walid Cheddira with Morocco, Benevento’s Kamil Glik with Poland and Brescia’s Fran Karacic with Australia. The only one still fighting for the world title in Qatar is Cheddira, although he’ll be forced to miss Morocco’s semi-final clash with France following his red card in the win over Portugal.
Speaking to Radio Anch’io Sport, Balata first discussed Cheddira’s participation at the World Cup and how it advertises Serie B.
“Even a little bit of Italy. In fact, Cheddira was born in our country, except that he then chose the Moroccan national team. It is also a reason for us to be satisfied, this is a footballer who has shown great qualities, deserving this call-up.”
He explained the league’s decision not to pause for the World Cup, allowing games to be played over the last month.
“The feedback is absolutely positive. On the penultimate day we broke the ratings record, so this choice has paid off for us.
“In leagues like we have this season, which is unusual, it seemed more right to us to continue to play our matches so that our fans could continue to watch the championship and the matches.
“It was a brave choice, but the following we have had is proving us right and is rewarding all our clubs.”
Finally, Balata gave his thoughts on the Portanova situation at Genoa. The 22-year-old midfielder has been sentenced to six years in prison for participating in a gang rape and the Rossoblu caused controversy by not suspending the player.
“It is a case of no small complexity. As you know Serie B has always been on the pitch against violence against women, and on this I don’t think anyone can object. The second issue is that Genoa is a damaged party in every respect.
“Whatever the outcome of this affair will be, Genoa will suffer the consequences. The third theme, the most delicate one, is the theme of the presumption of innocence. We have a principle in the Constitution that speaks of guilt only after a final conviction.
“This is an achievement, not a concession. It is obvious that we are dealing with a very serious case, but we are also dealing with a person who by law is entitled to have two more degrees of judgment.
“I also understand that the player has chosen summary judgment, so the timeframe will also be tighter.”