From celebrations to protests, the sport of soccer just can't stay out of the headlines in Italy.
Even before the Azzuri captured their fourth World Cup, the nation was coming to terms with a match fixing scandal that threatened the existance of Serie A.
Long story short, refs were bribed, games were fixed and the credibility of Italian soccer was flushed down the toilet.
After nearly a month of testimony, reviews and decision making, here are the results of the inquiry...
Juventus
- Demoted to Serie B (second division)
- Will start season with -30 points (in other words, they need to win 10 games just to get to 0 points. And in a 30+ game season, that means it'll be all but impossible for Juve to get promoted back to Serie A next season)
- Stripped of last two Scudetto's (Serie A Titles)
Fiorentina
- Demoted to Serie B
- Will start season with -12 points
Lazio
- Demoted to Serie B
- Will start season with -7 points
AC Milan
- Remain in Serie A, but begin next season with -15 points
- Stripped of 44 points from last season, meaning they will not be able to play in any top level European Competition next season
My question to you...
Was the punishment justified? Was it too harsh? Was it too lenient?
Discuss.