Historic Italian football club Brescia will cease to exist after 114 years following its owner’s refusal to settle a debt of three million euros ($3.4 million).
Italian businessman Massimo Cellino, who has owned the Lombardy-based club since 2017, missed the Friday deadline to pay part of Brescia’s eight million euros in tax arrears and other overdue taxes.
Cellino, previously known for his turbulent tenure as owner of English side Leeds United—with frequent managerial changes and legal troubles—has now seen Brescia suffer the consequences of unpaid debts.
Due to the club’s failure to meet its financial obligations, Brescia lost the right to participate in the Italian league system and was penalized with a four-point deduction by the Italian Football Federation (FIGC).
This sanction dropped Brescia from 15th place with 43 points to 18th place with 39 points in the Serie B standings, resulting in relegation to Serie C, the third tier of Italian football.
Brescia boasts a rich history, having spent 23 seasons in Serie A, most recently in the 2019-20 season, with their best finish being eighth place in 2000-01.
The club has been home to legendary players such as Roberto Baggio, Alessandro Altobelli, Andrea Pirlo, and Luca Toni, as well as Pep Guardiola, the current Manchester City manager, who played for Brescia during the 2001-02 and 2003 seasons.
AFP
