Chieti FC Seeks Coni Appeal to Overturn Relegation Penalty
The Italian football club Chieti has scheduled a hearing with the Collegio di garanzia del Coni on July 14, at 14:00, to challenge an 11-point penalty that led to its relegation to Eccellenza, according to a formal notice sent to the club’s legal representative, Nicoletta Maria Carè. The communication arrived nearly a month after the club submitted its appeal.
Chieti, which was penalized for the non-payment of salaries, argues the penalty should be recalculated under a different interpretation of sports law. The club’s legal team contends that the penalty should be reduced to a -4 deduction—removing one point per unpaid month rather than multiplying by the number of players—potentially altering the final league standings of the 2025-2026 season and leading to readmission in Serie D.
Financial Crisis Threatens Club’s Survival
Beyond the legal battle, Chieti faces an existential crisis. The club’s attempts to secure a sale to Pino Russo remain stalled due to unresolved financial and legal issues. Russo, accompanied by his consultant Enzo Amadio, recently met with sports law experts in Rome to assess the complexity of the situation. “La situazione è complessa,” Russo said. “Ogni giorno esce fuori qualcosa di nuovo e diventa difficile chiudere la trattativa. Io sono tornato dall’Argentina perché voglio prendere il Chieti, ma non è facile. Con Gianni Di Labio e i nostri consulenti stiamo cercando la soluzione migliore per salvare la società. Entro martedì bisogna decidere cosa fare perché non si può più andare per le lunghe.”
Chieti’s financial records are in disarray, with a lack of financial statements from the past two years, a high debt burden and a lingering dispute over ownership. The Wip Finance company, which holds an 85% stake, has not resolved its claims, complicating the sale.
Delayed Appeals Raise Questions About League Regulations
The timing of the Coni hearing has drawn scrutiny. With Serie D and Eccellenza registration deadlines already passed, the outcome may no longer affect immediate league eligibility.
Pino Russo’s Deadline Looms
Russo and his team, including consultant Enzo Amadio, have explored multiple scenarios. However, the absence of financial statements from the past two years and the debt burden have slowed progress.
“Con Gianni Di Labio e i nostri consulenti stiamo cercando la soluzione migliore per salvare la società,” Russo said. The club’s management has not publicly addressed the delays, with Gianni Di Labio working with consultants to find a solution.
What’s Next for Chieti FC?
The Coni hearing on July 14 will determine whether Chieti’s appeal succeeds, but even a favorable ruling may not guarantee immediate relief. The club’s long-term survival hinges on resolving its financial and ownership disputes.
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