FIFA Threaten Italy With Sanctions

FIFA have warned the FIGC (Italian FA) the national team and all clubs face sanctions from international competition if Juventus persist with their appeals against relegation for their part in the Calciopoli 'match fixing' scandal.

The Italian football federation has bowed to pressure from football's world ruling body FIFA over its role in the aftermath of the Juventus match-fixing scandal :

"We have given the FIGC until midday today to tell us how they are going to convince, or prevent Juventus from appealing their case in the Italian courts."

Said FIFA spokesman Andreas Herren.

Under FIFA rules clubs cannot appeal against rulings made by sporting authorities in court. The FIGC were quick to react :

"The federation will not hesitate in sanctioning clubs who have infringed article 27 of its rules, which forbids clubs taking cases to the civil courts and which states that whoever does so can be sanctioned."

Bayern Warn United Hargreaves Not For Sale
 
A statement on Bayern Munich's website read :

"Bayern Munich has clearly informed its player Owen Hargreaves and his agent that the existing contract employing him at the club until 30 June 2010 will remain in force. Up to and including today Bayern Munich has not held negotiations with Manchester United or with any other club. Furthermore, Bayern Munich does not intend entering transfer negotiations regarding Owen Hargreaves. Bayern Munich has today, Friday 18 August 2006, officially requested Manchester United to cease pursuing its interest in Owen Hargreaves."

Reggina Stave Off Relegation For A Season

Reggina, who were recently implicated in the Calciopoli scandal, will start next season with a 15 point penalty, effectively guaranteeing relegation next season. The club's president, Lillo Foti, has been banned from football with two years and six months and fined €30,000.