Lega Pro President Francesco Ghirelli warns the coronavirus pandemic could transform football forever. “Many Serie C clubs could disappear. We need to rebuild the sport.”
The lockdown was extended to April 12 and the FIGC yesterday backed away from the floated May 20 resumption date for Serie A fixtures.
While debates rage about whether top flight players should dock their pay, Ghirelli points out the situation in the lower tiers is significantly worse.
Lega Pro President Francesco Ghirelli warns the coronavirus pandemic could transform football forever. “Many Serie C clubs could disappear. We need to rebuild the sport.”
The lockdown was extended to April 12 and the FIGC yesterday backed away from the floated May 20 resumption date for Serie A fixtures.
While debates rage about whether top flight players should dock their pay, Ghirelli points out the situation in the lower tiers is significantly worse.
“We are preparing for the possible phase of no return,” he wrote in a statement. “With every day that passes, there is a greater risk that entire clubs and companies could be forced out of business.
“The whole network of Serie C clubs is very close to collapse. During this period of extreme uncertainty, we have so many thoughts racing through our minds. Will the virus spare us or our loved ones? What will remain of our businesses after all this passes?”
The AIC (Italian Players’ Association) has pushed back against attempts to dock the salaries of players during the crisis, but Ghirelli insists there might be no choice.
“This was seen as a lack of comprehension with regards to the serious situation clubs are in. Nobody believes that only the players should pay for this crisis. The very real and concrete risk is that owners could see their clubs go bankrupt. Players would then find themselves with no club and, consequently, no salary at all.
“This is why we need sacrifices from everyone to save football. We need to realise as soon as possible that this virus could see many Serie C clubs disappear. I have nothing to hide, the situation is at breaking point.”
It has been suggested that Serie A should be reduced from 20 clubs to 18, or even 16, with Serie C made into one division rather than three regional groups.
“Once this war is over, there will be peace, and we must rebuild the sport, otherwise there will be nothing left for anyone.”