Soccer-Figline denied promotion to Italy fourth tier over controversial result

Italy’s amateur football league (LND) said Tuscan club Figline’s promotion to the fourth-tier Serie D has been revoked by a regional Italian football federation (FIGC) court over a controversial 5-1 defeat at Tau Calcio Altopascio in May. Video of the match appeared to show Figline allowing their opponents to score three easy goals in the last few minutes. The result meant fellow promotion rivals Livorno had to beat Tau Calcio Altopascio in the playoffs.

Livorno and Tau Calcio Altopascio then lodged a joint complaint with the FIGC prosecutor, both clubs said in a statement. Reuters has requested comment from Figline.

After the trial date had been set, Figline said they were “confident and serene regarding the (future) decision of the sporting court” but on Wednesday the court ruled against them. LND said Figline sporting director Emiliano Frediani, who is not at the team any longer, had been banned for five years, with club president Simone Simoni and manager Marco Becattini for three.

Players Vanni Burzagli, Andrea Saitta and Mattia Privitera have been banned for two years, it added. Livorno, who had failed to win promotion in the play-offs, are expected to replace Figline in Serie D, local media reported.

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