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FIFA Threats Italy with Collective Punishment

FIFA, the world`s soccer governing body, does not like its or its representatives` decisions questioned. FIFA spokesperson said that if Juventus appeals to a state court it will `interfere with the autonomy of the soccer world. Juventus was punished for its rule in the match-fixing scandal in Italy and was demoted to play in Serie B, instead of the leading Italian league, Serie A, and now plans to issue an appeal in a state court.

FIFA believes that such action will undermine the sports` arbitration system. FIFA`s president Sepp Blatter sent a letter to the Italian Soccer Federation and said that the soccer governing body is willing to ban all Italian clubs ? as well as the national team (current world champions) ? in case such action is taken by Juventus.

"The president referred the Italian federation to Article 61, which states that the decisions of sports courts may not be brought before an administrative court. It also stipulates that national federations must have such an article within their statute books," FIFA said.