Serie A clubs have opted to maintain the current size of the league at 20 teams, following a shareholders’ meeting in Milan. Despite the push from top clubs like Juventus, Inter Milan, AC Milan, and AS Roma to reduce the number of teams to 18, the proposal failed to secure the necessary majority.
The debate over reducing the league size was driven by a desire to minimize fixture congestion and enhance the quality of football. However, with only four clubs supporting the reduction, the status quo prevailed.
Critics of the proposal, including Torino president Urbino Cairo, denounced the attempt, likening it to the concept of a super league. This sentiment reflects a broader skepticism among directors from other teams regarding the intentions behind the proposed change.
AC Milan president Paolo Scaroni highlighted the challenges his team faces due to fixture congestion, particularly in light of their involvement in international competitions and numerous players representing their national teams. Scaroni emphasized the burden placed on players who juggle continental tournaments, national team duties, domestic cup competitions, and league matches, citing it as a significant factor contributing to injuries. He also noted that Serie A had operated with 18 teams in the past and even with 16 teams, indicating a precedent for such a change.
In addition to the decision on league size, Serie A clubs approved proposals for reforms that will be presented at the Extraordinary General Assembly of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) in March. These reforms aim to grant Serie A more autonomy from the FIGC, aligning it with the structure of leagues like the Premier League in England.
Serie A president Lorenzo Casini emphasized the need for increased autonomy, arguing that the current system does not afford Serie A the decision-making authority commensurate with its economic significance. This sentiment reflects a broader push for greater independence and influence within the Italian football landscape.
Scaroni echoed Casini’s message, highlighting the disparity between Serie A’s financial contributions to Italian football and its level of influence within the FIGC. He expressed frustration with the current power dynamic, where Serie A holds only 12% of decision-making authority within the Federation, suggesting a need for reform to address this imbalance.
Overall, the decision to maintain Serie A’s 20-team structure reflects a commitment to preserving the league’s current format while efforts to secure greater autonomy and influence within Italian football continue. The debate surrounding league size and governance underscores the complex dynamics at play within Serie A as clubs seek to balance competitive interests with broader structural reforms.
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By- Sahiba Suri