Reggina lose appeal; Arezzo not happy

Reggina’s 15-point deduction has been confirmed on appeal in the match-fixing trial, but Arezzo’s nine-point penalty was reduced to six.

The clubs went to the Federal Court after the original trial at the CAF inflicted a 15-point sanction on the Amaranto and a nine-point penalty on the Serie B side, but both retained their Divisional status.

It was widely reported that the penalties for purported match-fixing and pressure on referees would be slashed on appeal, but that turned out not to be the case. The Stadio Granillo side will still kick off the new season from –15 points, making it an uphill struggle to avoid relegation. Reggina President Lillo Foti (pictured) was suspended for two years and six months and the appeal court also confirmed that decision. Arezzo’s nine-point penalty for the 2006-07 campaign has been cut to just six. Both clubs have the option of continuing their legal challenges in a conciliation meeting with the FIGC. However, the sanctions on the other individuals in the controversial match against Salernitana – ex-member of the Referees’ Association Gennaro Mazzei, linesman Stefano Titomanlio and former Milan refereeing liaison Leonardo Meani – were upheld. The punishments are a three-year suspension for the first two names and a three-month ban for the Rossoneri official.

Both clubs have announced plans for further legal challenges. “Reggina Calcio S.p.A and its President [Lillo Foti] consider the decision unjust and unbalanced. It is damaging to our sporting rights, the club, the city and its fans,” read an official statement. “We will defend our rights in all the competent courts necessary, but continue to act in silence to protect the club’s image.” The next legal step is a conciliation meeting with CONI and the FIGC in a bid to work out a plea bargain, reducing that 15-point penalty.

Meanwhile, Arezzo were not satisfied with their outcome. “The sentence remains inadequate for the situation,” insisted director Giovanni Cappietti, who announced they would seek a conciliation debate.

The sentences handed out means four clubs will begin the new Serie A season with a handicap: Fiorentina (-19), Reggina (-15), Lazio (-11) and Milan (-8). Juventus (-17) and Arezzo (-6) will start the Serie B campaign from below zero.


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