No amnesty for clubs in match-fixing scandal

THE four clubs involved in Serie A’s match-fixing scandal will not be granted an amnesty as a result of Italy’s World Cup success, according to Italian Football Federation (FIGC) chief investigator Francesco Borrelli.

The country is still celebrating the national team’s success in Germany following their penalty shoot-out win over France on Sunday.

However, the Azzurri’s triumph will not change the course of the trial currently taking place in Rome.

Juventus, AC Milan, Fiorentina and Lazio are expected to learn their fate in the next few days, with the quartet facing relegation if found guilty of wrongdoing.

“I believe the disciplinary procedure should have no connection with the victory,” said Borrelli on Wednesday.

“If we say that a victory should lead to indulgence, then surely a defeat would have brought more extreme measures of severity.

“We are therefore talking about two different things.”

Borrelli was saddened by Marcello Lippi’s decision to step down as coach of the national team.

“As an Italian, I am upset,” he said. “Especially after such a beautiful victory and a great tournament.”

Borrelli did not comment on when the verdict on the match-fixing trial would be given.

Reports in Italy suggest it could be announced on Friday afternoon, once the stock exchange closes. Both Lazio and Juventus are listed on the stock exchange.