Share

Serie A season finish pushed back to 20 August

Italy's football federation (FIGC) on Wednesday set a new date of 20 August for Serie A to finish with the possibility of playoffs in the case of another suspension because of the coronavirus pandemic.

A meeting of FIGC's Federal Council stressed Italian football's desire for the top leagues to return to action but confirmed that all amateur competitions will be stopped.

"The FIGC expressed its desire to restart and complete the national professional competitions by setting the last closing date of the Serie A, B and C competitions to August 20," the FIGC said in a statement.

The start of next season will be on 1 September.

The Italian season has been on hold since 9 March amid the pandemic which has killed more than 32,000 people in Italy. The end of the season had already been pushed back from 30 June 30 to 2 August.

Football clubs were on Tuesday given the all clear by the Italian government to resume group training, but competitions remain suspended until mid-June.

Sports Minister Vincenzo Spadafora said that a decision will be made on 28 May on whether the season can resume after a meeting with football bosses.

On Wednesday, the FIGC said that they would decide before competition resumes the rules to apply in the case of a new suspension.

The federation envisages "brief phases of playoff and playout in order to define the result of the competitions".

If the season were stopped a system would be devised "which will in all cases provide for relegation and promotions".

The FIGC, however, called time on its amateur leagues, including women's competitions up to Serie B.

A decision on the women's Serie A will be taken "in the coming days".

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1272 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
30% - 1470 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2240 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE