Juve, Lazio and Fiorentino relegated to Serie B

by **Brent Burns** on Sat Jul 15, 2006 4:17 pm

Since July 14 is usually celebrated in France for the storming of the Bastille (known as the Bastille Day), one Italian newspaper likened the decision made by an Italian commission to headbutting several Italian teams more severe than Zidane's headbutt. What do you all think or understand about Juventus, Lazio and Fiorentino relegated to the second division (Serie B) next season? AC Milan was not fortunate although they would remain in Serie A next season as long as they will be docked 15 points when the new season begins next year.

Those teams will appeal; however, they would have to hurry because the Italian league has to submit names for next seasons' Champions League by July 25.

Don't be surprised that most of the Italian players on Italy's 2006 World Cup championship team would be looking to play elsewhere other than remaining on their teams (I understand that most of the players play for either Juve or AC Milan).

**Sponsor**

by **DanGenck** on Sun Jul 16, 2006 10:15 am

Were they bumped down because of poor play or does this relate to the betting/match fixing stuff they talked about during the championship match?

by **cjwilhelmi** on Sun Jul 16, 2006 10:26 am

Betting/Match Fixing

by **DanGenck** on Sun Jul 16, 2006 1:44 pm

Can anyone explain the whole story or link to it?

by **KnoxVegas** on Sun Jul 16, 2006 3:07 pm

This is a pretty good description:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Serie_A_scandal_of_2006

The point penalties are huge but 30 is tremendous. Good luck, Juve fans!

Roma! Roma! Roma!

by **jessexy** on Sun Jul 16, 2006 4:49 pm

i havent paid that much attention to this scandal, but it stems from the match fixing stuff from the Italian Serie A the last several years. the Serie A is the Italian leagues top level, with Serie B the second level. For those that do not know, they have a relegation/promotion league where the 3 lowest teams in the each league are dropped to the next lowest level, while the 3 best teams from the nearest level are promoted up to the next highest level. this happens for the next subsequent season.

Juve, Lazio, and Fiorentina were to have played in the European Champions League (reserved for the top teams in each country) next year, but they'll be playing in the second division now. they shouldnt have much trouble moving back up to the top division next year, but there is a significant financial loss they will suffer from not participating in the Serie A and the Champions League/UEFA Cup this year. thats what sucks for them. and they will lose their best players, which are the best players in the world (exhibited by the 13 or so players that participated in the Wrodl Cup Final).

by **KnoxVegas** on Sun Jul 16, 2006 5:44 pm

Juve's 30-point hole to begin the season will take a bit to overcome. The club with have to go 15-0 to start the season to just break even. That means that a team that goes 1-14, would still be ahead of them on the ladder. Juve won't be back in Serie A until at least '08-'09 season.

Since all the players of the relegated teams are now free agents, they are free to search out a new team (in whatever country they choose) if compensation is worked out between the two clubs. Look for heaps of player movement. Just like an NCAA school that gets slapped with probation after a scandal, those involved probably will not be around to suffer the consequences.

by **jessexy** on Mon Jul 17, 2006 2:20 pm

the one big thing that will change the landscape and make it possible for Juve and the like to stay afloat will be the player transfer fees that they accept for the players that will be leaving the team. if they can get hefty fees and manage that money correctly, they wont suffer too much fromnot playing in the high- dollar Serie A, Champions League and whatever else they get money for.

by **jessexy** on Mon Jul 17, 2006 2:23 pm

the one big thing that will change the landscape and make it possible for Juve and the like to stay afloat will be the player transfer fees that they accept for the players that will be leaving the team. if they can get hefty fees and manage that money correctly, they wont suffer too much fromnot playing in the high- dollar Serie A, Champions League and whatever else they get money for.

this is a serious blow though. This is like the Yankees getting sent down to AAA Pacific Leagueand forfeiting the first 40 games of the season and having to trade off their assets (AROD, Jeter, R Johnson, Cano, Posada, Giambi, Williams, etc) to stay afloat. they would get only prospects in return to try and contend in the AAA. they would only be allowed to come back to the majors if they WON the AAA World Series