Italy’s Serie A is at the risk of insolvency and needs more financial support from the government after the COVID-19 pandemic and higher stadium capacity, according to Inter chief executive Giuseppe Marotta.
In an interview with Italian newspaper Il Sole 24 Ore, Marotta said:
“Serie A and more in general Italian soccer are at risk of insolvency. The government and political institutions cannot ignore this anymore.
“It is a system at the edge of the abyss, which without a doubt had already issues before Covid but which has received virtually no support in these two years in the pandemic.”
The Italian Football Federation – FIGC imposed a few months ago a maximum capacity to 5,000 for two rounds of matches to help slow down COVID-19 cases.
However, Marotta urged all stakeholders to now allow more spectators:
“Outdoor facilities are without a doubt safe with FFP2 masks, super green pass and capacity reduced to 50%. Cutting tickets to 5,000 spectators has been further proof of taking things seriously and another sacrifice for us,” he said.
“If France is getting ready to welcome 100% supporters, like it is already happening in England, does it make sense for us to stick to a lower number of spectators?”
“Football is still considered the world of ‘rich and stupid’ presidents who waste money away for fun. Our world struggles to be recognized for what it is but how can you ignore the fact that professional soccer is an industry like any other?”
Source: Il Sole 24 Ore
