Italian Football Federation Prepares Option to Achieve the Scudetto Related to Corona Virus Outbreak

DBasia.news –  President of the Italian football federation (FIGC), Gabriele Gravina, revealed several options prepared to complete the 2019/20 Serie in the midst of a corona virus outbreak. One of them is to hold a play-off round to determine the champion.

The FIGC held a meeting with the Italian government and CONI to determine what steps to take to save Serie A this season. As previously all parties had agreed to suspend all sporting activities in Italy until April 3 after the spread of the corona virus.

The postponement meant that Serie A could not be completed on May 24 or the schedule previously arranged. The participation of Italian clubs in European competition is also in question.

Previously, there was a suggestion to postpone Serie A until May 31. Afterwards, a new schedule will be arranged which will end before the European Cup 2020. That way, Serie A will still be able to finish 38 matches.

However, the option is considered challenging to implement given the limited time available. If forced, the Serie A contestants will have a very tight schedule every week.

In addition to these options, there are several solutions that have emerged. Here are three of them:

First is not giving the Scudetto title to any team. That way, the league body will provide a list of which teams will compete in European competition, namely the Champions League and Europa League. Chances are, all will be determined the same way from the current standings.

The second option is to use the current standings as champions’ references. That way, Juventus has the right to be the champion as they are at the top of the standings.

The third option is to hold a play-off match to determine which club wins and is relegated. However, the league body must first determine the number of clubs entitled to appear in the play-offs.

In fact, Serie A has decided the Scudetto through a play-off match. The situation occurred in the 1963-1964 season when Inter Milan and Bologna ended the season with 54 points. In the end, the play-off match was held at the neutral stadium and Bologna won by a score of 2-0.

The plan is to hold a follow-up meeting on March 23 to make the best decision.