Italy's soccer season may be delayed again
(AP)
Updated: 2005-08-13 15:04

The start of Italy's soccer season may be delayed for the fourth straight year because of financial problems and fallout from a game-fixing scandal, AP reported.

A judge has ordered that the season schedule not be completed until all appeals have been heard concerning Genoa's demotion from the top division to the third division. Thursday's meeting to set the schedule was delayed indefinitely, threatening the Aug. 28 season start.

Genoa, promoted to Serie A after a 10-year absence from the top league, was found guilty of sporting fraud for fixing its final game last season. On Tuesday, the country's highest soccer tribunal confirmed the decision to drop Genoa to the third division and dock the team three points for next season.

A judge scheduled a hearing in Genoa for Tuesday. Genoa fans have demonstrated violently but have suspended their protests pending the hearing.

A series of financial issues also need to be resolved before the season can start. Teams must meet certain fiscal standards to play in Serie A.

Authorities want to keep the scheduled start, not least because the season must finish on time to allow players prepare for next year's World Cup in Germany.

"A delay is impossible because it would constitute a violation of the rules," soccer federation president Franco Carraro said. "It would also disregard fans throughout all of Italy, disrupt the teams, cause serious financial problems for clubs and cause serious repercussions for clubs involved in international play and for the national team."

Each of the past three seasons has been delayed for various reasons.

In 2002, problems with television rights held up the opening by two weeks. In 2003, financial problems and a boycott by clubs over a new format delayed the Serie B start. Last year, the opening was pushed back two weeks because of the Olympics and World Cup qualifying games.

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