Lotito demands clarity

Lazio President Claudio Lotito doesn’t consider their penalty reduction to three points to be “a complete victory”.

The club was originally demoted to Serie B as part of the scandal this summer, only to have their top flight status restored with an 11-point handicap. That has now been slashed to just three points after last night’s CONI Arbitration verdict.

“It is not a complete victory, as I think the truth of the matter has not been entirely clarified yet, but I do accept the Arbitration’s verdict,” said patron Lotito.

“I hope that a similar attitude can be taken towards my personal appeal against my ban.”

Lotito was accused of trying to put pressure on the authorities and referees so that they would favour the Rome club – allegations he has always denied.

The Biancocelesti’s legal team was also relatively content with the outcome, although they argued that stripping the club of its UEFA Cup place for this season was punishment enough.

“At the start of the tournament we thought this team would face a fight just to avoid relegation, but now things have changed,” said Gianmichele Gentile. “The players can focus on their performances and winning back their place in Europe.”