Yesterday, the Italian Football Federation’s Federal National Court judged that Palermo would finish the season bottom of Serie B, due to “financial irregularities,” resulting in automatic relegation.
Despite finish in third place this season with 63 points and preparing for the promotion playoffs to Serie A, the Sicilian club were derailed by the news and could be heading to Serie C, Italy’s third division.
It is alleged former owner Maurizio Zamparini committed money laundering, selling the Palermo brand to a company he created for a significant sum, before renting it back to the club for a minimal amount.
Palermo president Alessandro Albanese confirmed that the club will appeal the decision.
As it stands, Serie B have announced that the relegation play-outs have been cancelled, so Palermo, Padova, Foggia and Carpi are each relegated to Serie C.
Due to Palermo dropping to the bottom of the table, Perguia now join Hellas Verona, Cittadella, Spezia, Pescara, and Benevento in the promotion playoffs.
