Just three games into the 2018/19 season, Serie B has been suspended until further notice in the midst of clubs appealing to have the division restored to 22 teams.
Summer bankruptcies at Bari, Cesena and Avellino and their subsequent demotions to Serie D saw the second tier start with just 19 teams, with one team getting a ‘rest week’ each matchday.
On Tuesday, the decision was taken by the regional administrative court of Lazio – Tar – and it was announced that the league had been suspended until further notice.
“The new fact is the Lazio Tar, as well as suspending the ruling, has also suspended the league,” the division’s president, Franco Frattini said to inBlu Radio.
“It is clear that, while we wait until the result of Tar’s order on October 9 it will not be possible to play in Serie B.”
There are currently a number teams hoping to be placed into Serie B, though there will only be three places up for grabs if the league is returned to 22 teams. Pro Vercelli, Catania, Siena, Novara and Ternana are all looking to be ‘promoted’.
“On Friday, September 21, the board Guarantee Committee will re-examine the idea of a whole new line-up,” Frattini added.
“The Committee will decide whether Serie B should have 22 or 19 teams. If we decide there should be 22, next Monday [September 24], we will decide which three out of the teams will be brought in.
“We don’t engage in sporting politics but look at the standards.”
Furthermore, six Serie C games have been suspended for the coming week.
Arezzo v Pro Vercelli, Novara v Albissola and Siena v Pisa from Group A; Fano v Ternana in Group B; Catania v Syracuse and Juve Stabia v Viterbese in Group C have all been postponed in anticipation of a decision.
Source: forzaitalianfootball.com