Salernitana escape expulsion
ROME: Salernitana have been saved from being kicked out of Serie A after their trustees accepted a bid to purchase the club from a new owner, the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) said on Saturday.
Acceptance of the bid came just ahead of a Friday midnight deadline that would have forced the club based in Salerno, south of Naples, out of the league, were no offers accepted.
FIGC confirmed to AFP on Saturday that “in accordance with the terms of the deed of trust, by midnight yesterday, the Trustees informed the FIGC via e-mail that they had accepted an irrevocable offer to purchase the shares of Salernitana.”
The federation confirmed media reports the new owner was Daniele Iervolino, 43, the founder of Italy’s Pegasus Online University.
In a statement published in newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport, Iervolino said he would “do everything to keep Salernitana in Serie A.”
“It is with great emotion that I announce the acquisition of Salernitana 1919. Salerno and its fans deserve a competitive team,” said Iervolino. “I strongly believe that the project of relaunching the team that we are preparing will guarantee balance and stability to the club.”
Acceptance of the proposal triggers a 45-day extension in the time available to secure a deal, ensuring Salernitana will keep playing through to mid-February.
The club was promoted to Italy’s top flight this season but immediately fell foul of FIGC rules because the club was co-owned by Lazio boss Claudio Lotito.
According to FIGC rules, two clubs under the same ownership cannot play in the same division.
CHIELLINI POSITIVE FOR COVID
Juventus captain Giorgio Chiellini has tested positive for Covid-19, the Turin club announced on Saturday.
The defender had been in isolation at home after coming into contact with a positive case during the week, according to news reports, before being tested on Saturday.
The announcement about Chiellini came a day after the club disclosed that first team players Carlo Pinsoglio and Arthur Melo had tested positive.
Juventus host Napoli on Thursday in their first Serie A game since the winter break.
NEUER AMONG 5 BAYERN CASES
Four Bayern Munich players including captain Manuel Neuer, as well as a coach have tested positive for Covid-19, the Bundesliga champions said.
Goalkeeper Neuer will miss the first training session of the year, which has been moved from Jan 2 to Jan 3 “in light of the current pandemic situation,” Bayern said.
“Manuel Neuer, Kingsley Coman, Corentin Tolisso and Omar Richards have tested positive for coronavirus.
“They are all doing well, as is assistant coach Dino Toppmoeller, who has also tested positive for the virus. They are all isolating at home,” the club said in a statement.