The cycle of match fixing in Italy

So there we have it now. Juventus relegated to Serie B and must start next season with a 30-point deficit. Not only that, they have also been stripped of their last two league titles.

The other clubs involved in the match fixing scandal – Fiorentina, Lazio and AC Milan also faced punishments. Fiorentina relegated to Serie B with a 12-point deficit while Lazio, similarly down to Serie B, with seven-point deficit.

AC Milan compared better than the rest – they get to stay in Serie A but begin next season with a 15-point deficit. They were also docked 44 points from last season's total.

In all it is an expensive and painful lesson for all the clubs involved. I suppose the hardest hit is Juventus. With the 30-point deduction, it is hard to see them back in the top league for another two years, and add a further year before the possibility of seeing them in the Champions League. Surely most of their big name players - many from the World Cup winning team - will be looking to ditch the sinking ship.

Similarly, I don’t see how AC Milan can be back in the Champions League next season, but at least they are still in Serie A, meaning they can still hold on to their big players

The Champions League will miss these two powerhouses but still I suppose their punishment is warranted. I don’t understand the need for Juventus to fix their matches, especially with the array of talents they have at their disposal. Now all their victories come into question, wonderful performances by their players become meaningless.

However my biggest concern is whether this latest round of punishment will banish the match fixing attitude once and for all in the Italian league.

Remember, the last match-fixing scandal involving the Italian football happened in 1980. Then, both Milan and Lazio were relegated and several players suspended. In recent years, we have had few other teams relegated for ‘financial irregularities’.

Going by this trend, there is nothing to be surprised if, say Juventus or even Milan, are relegated again for match fixing in about 20 years time.

In the meantime, another club will try to take the rein from Juventus to be the grandmaster of Italian football. Lets hope they do it by playing good football and without seeking any outside help.