Italy’s second tier, Serie B has been suspended by the regional administrative court (Tar) of Lazio.
Seria B will remain suspended at least until 9th October.
The division’s president confirmed it on Tuesday. The league started with 19 teams rather than 22 teams, as Avellino, Cesena and Bari went bankrupt and are forced to start again from Serie D. As a result, despite adding three more teams, the league already started with 19.
The season had already kicked off. However, the current teams in the league want to have the number of teams in the league extended back to 22, and an ongoing appeal is going on.
On 15th September, Lazio Tar had upheld Pro Vercelli’s appeal over the league’s decision to remain at 19 teams with a decision due to be announced on 9th October. But the league’s president has now informed that no matches in the league will take place until then.
Frattini told inBlu Radio,
“The new fact is the Lazio Tar, as well as suspending the ruling, has also suspended the league. It is clear that, while we wait until the result of Tar’s order on Oct. 9 it will not be possible to play in Serie B., And this appears impossible to me given the sporting passion of millions of fans. Therefore, on Friday, Sept. 21, the board Guarantee Committee will re-examine the idea of a whole new line-up.”
The league’s president further added,
“The Committee will decide whether Serie B should have 22 or 19 teams. If we decide there should be 22, next Monday [Sept. 24], we will decide which three out of the six teams will be brought in. We don’t engage in sporting politics but look at the standards.”
Now the league is desperately waiting to hear the final hearing which is set to take place on 9th October.