By David Gold
August 2 – Juventus coach Antonio Conte could be handed a lengthy ban after the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) rejected a plea-bargain from the former Siena manager.
Conte (pictured above and below, right) sought a three-month ban rather than face a court hearing over allegations that he failed to report match-fixing while in charge of Siena.
He led the Bianconeri to promotion in 2010-2011, before taking over Juventus last season and guided them to the league championship without losing a match.
Conte went in front of an FIGC tribunal yesterday, and made the plea bargain after Siena made a similar gesture in an attempt to receive a more lenient punishment.
He has the option to make another offer that could be accepted by the courts, but unless they agree to his proposals he may face a harsher sanction still.
It is a major blow to Juventus, who are facing the prospect of being without their manager for a significant chunk of next season.
The club were at the centre of the Calciopoli scandal six years’ ago which saw them relegated to Serie B.
Their defender Leonardo Bonucci and winger Simone Pepe are also facing sporting tribunals for allegations relating to their time at other teams.
Siena will have a six-point deduction for the new season after having an offer to take a five-point penalty rejected.
There are no allegations against Conte for direct involvement in match-fixing, but for failing to report incidents relating to Siena’s 2-2 draw with Novara and a 1-0 loss to AlbinoLeffe towards the end of the 2010-2011 season.
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