Italian football sets season end date, with restart to be discussed

FILE - A logo of Italy's Lega Serie A. Photo: Flavio Lo Scalzo/Reuters

FILE - A logo of Italy's Lega Serie A. Photo: Flavio Lo Scalzo/Reuters

Published May 20, 2020

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ROME – Italy's football federation FIGC aims to complete by mid-August the professional leagues currently interrupted due to the coronavirus pandemic, and begin the next season in early September.

The ruling body conducted a teleconference on Wednesday, a day after the government called a meeting for next week to possibly set a June date for the restart of a season that was halted in early March.

"The FIGC has expressed its will to restart and complete the professional leagues, setting August 20 for the closure of Serie A, B and C competition. The 2020-21 season will start on September 1," a statement read.

The ruling body has also considered scenarios for a possible new interruption of the leagues due to renewed cases of infection or a worsening of the pandemic.

It would then consider either play-offs or would set criteria to determine promotions and relegations to wrap up the leagues.

No decision has been taken about continuation of the women's Serie A league, while all amateur competitions have been cancelled, with decisions about their outcomes to be taken by June 30.

Hopes for a restart of a closed-doors season were boosted Tuesday after the government allowed team training and invited FIGC and league bodies to a meeting on May 28.

dpa

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