Serie B clubs threaten strike

Serie B could grind to a halt after the clubs threatened to go on strike if a pay-per-view television contract was not finalised.

Live television coverage of the Second Division is currently not available in Italy, as the sides rejected the offer of just £7m from satellite broadcaster Sky Italia.

In retaliation, the Serie B teams have suspended the television pattern of Monday and Friday evening games, so every match this weekend will be played on Sunday afternoon - not on the Saturday because of the international break.

If the situation is not resolved, then they have threatened to go on strike and halt the 2007-08 season indefinitely.

The Serie B viewing figures had shot up last term with Juventus’ demotion, but with their return to the top flight along with Napoli and Genoa, the market value has dropped dramatically.

"I asked the Serie B Presidents to reconsider and reflect," said Lega Calcio President Antonio Matarrese. "They wanted to call a halt to the season, but you need time to make certain choices take effect. On Sunday everyone is going to play together."

Source: C4 Football Italia