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No end in sight for Serie A strike

Comment: 0 August 31st, 2011 by: admin

Ongoing negotiations between officials from the Italian football federation and the players’ association suggest that the Serie A strike may persist for the next coming weeks.

After a last-minute proposal from the players’ association (AIC) was rejected by league officials Friday, the two sides again met the following Monday but failed to agree on issues that had already postponed weekend games.

‘For the moment there is no news, it is too soon,’ said Serie A association president Maurizio Beretta. ‘But happily we still have some time ahead of us before the second round of matches.’

Following the previous failures to meet in agreement, the sides are set to meet for another round, thereby extending the players’ strike. Reports state that the next meeting is set on September 10-11, after the domestic break for international matches.

Beretta furthered, stating that disagreements still persisted regarding two proposed provisions that allowed clubs to force players to move in the final year of their contracts; also, managers could force unwanted players to undergo training separate from the first team.

In addition to that is a ‘solidarity tax’ that the Serie A league wants applied to players with monthly salaries over €90,000.

‘Our assembly was clear,’ Beretta told reporters. ‘We will only sign an agreement if it contains the two points under discussion – the solidarity contribution and that of training outside the first-team squad.’

According to AIC president Damiano Tommasi, his belief is that the conflict will reach a resolution soon.

‘Our intention is not to prolong the strike,’ he said. ‘We will only be happy when we step out on the pitch. But an agreement must be signed.’

Italian Football Federation president Giancarlo Abete told reporters that the long period until September 10 could provide enough time for a resolution.
‘I need to be optimistic because the games on September 11 must be played,’ he said. ‘We have to find that spirit of union.’

Tommasi, however, estimates that a quick resolution may not be possible.

‘I have the distinct impression that 15 days will not be enough,’ he told reporters. ‘We may need months.

‘The Lega is clearly split,’ he said. ‘They’ve been saying no for a year and a half. The players are disappointed not to be playing but it’s not down to a question of finance or because of a whim. For professionals it’s just right to begin a season with a signed collective agreement.’

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