The opening weekend of the Serie A season is in danger of being postponed as a player strike edges closer.
Negotiations break down with revolt on horizon
The opening weekend of the Serie A season is in danger of being postponed as a player strike edges closer.
All 20 sides are due to begin the campaign this weekend, but an on-going contract row between the Italian Players' Association (AIC) and the Lega Serie A, the union of clubs, has resurfaced.
Players were on the verge of strike on two occasions last season, only for the Lega Serie A to verbally agree to their demands, which relate to their employment rights.
However, the club's union has failed to stick to their word to sign the new terms, and have instead proposed two fresh clauses to the original agreement.
Clubs now wish to introduce new tax legislation on high earners on their wage bill and also allow coaches to force unwanted players to train away from the first team.
The players and their union will not budge, however, and without a fully signed agreement in place before the weekend, the will not take to the field.
Meetings
Emergency meetings will be held on Thursday, with Italian Football Federation (FIGC) president Giancarlo Abete set to mediate.
Damiano Tommasi, president of the AIC, insists the clubs' demands are "implausible" and is more than ready to lead the strike.
"At the moment we cannot call off the strike, as the conditions to play do not exist," said former Roma and Queens Park Rangers midfielder Tommasi.
"The requests from the clubs are implausible. The meeting with the FIGC is adjourned until tomorrow, but I don't see what can change."
Club presidents are now voicing their opinions, with Napoli President Aurelio De Laurentiis unconcerned by the strike threats.
"Let them strike," he said. "We cannot continue with a gun pointed at our heads.
"We're not trying to wage war on anyone. It's just a cultural problem, as the collective bargaining contract is out-dated by 30 years. There's no point renewing it when we have to revamp it.
Clean slate
"We need to wipe the slate clean," continued De Laurentiis. "Although I respect FIGC President Giancarlo Abete, the Federation is a prehistoric animal that has to change attitude if it is to survive."
Juventus also took a stand against the deal and the main sticking point is Article 7, which would stop clubs freezing players out of training with the full squad during contract disputes.
"The vote was practically unanimous," revealed director general Beppe Marotta. "We acted with a sense of responsibility, even if the situation is embarrassing, and held firm in our decision."
Meanwhile, Parma director Pietro Leonardi blasted the Players' Association for their attitude.
"As far as we are concerned, the games go ahead, but you'd have to ask the players what they are doing. If they don't play, then who cares? They have the FIGC behind them, but mustn't take us for a ride."
Only two Serie A sides voted in favour of signing the collective bargaining contract on Wednesday, namely Siena and Cagliari.
"My colleagues were irresponsible," slammed Cagliari President Massimo Cellino.
"If the players were to go ahead and step on to the field, I would thank them, as it'd be a gesture of great responsibility."
