Three Down

Cheating isn't cheating unless you get caught
- Jesse Ventura

I cannot believe that the case involving the Italian football teams resulted in three teams relegated to Serie B. I really thought the ruling would end up being as corrupt as the match fixing itself.

Juventus were the team that were penalised the worst having been sent down a division for their first time since the club was formed in 1897. Not only do they have to play in Italy's second division they also have to contend with a thirty point point loss to put even more pressure on their attempt to gain promotion to Serie A. That should mean we won't see Juventus in the top flight for at least two seasons barring an appeal, of course.

Fiorentina and Lazio were the two other clubs relegated for their participation in the match fixing. They have also got to deal with point deductions but not as severe as Juventus.

The final team involved, AC Milan, were given a fifteen point fine as well as knocked out of this year's Champion's League. The fifteen point deduction could hinder their chances of qualifying for Champion's League football for the following season.

It is going to be an interesting two seasons in Italy to see if they bounce back from this. I am sure they will do okay though. After all, Serie B referee's are bound to be cheaper than their Serie A counterparts.*

*Tongue firmly in cheek