Juventus hint at compromise over match-fixing punishment

Juventus' president Giovanni Cobollo Gigli gestures during a press conference in June 2006. Juventus -- who were relegated to Serie B and given a 17-point penalty for the start of the forthcoming season for match-fixing -- are considering cancelling their civil court action if the Italian football federation (FIGC) reduce their punishment.

Juventus, who were relegated to Serie B and given a 17-point penalty for the start of the forthcoming season for match-fixing, are considering cancelling their civil court action if the Italian football federation (FIGC) reduce their punishment.

The Turin club were ready to take their case outside of the sports authorities and appeal to the Local Administrative Court (TAR) on Friday for a softer sentence, a move which could see them hit with further sanctions by the FIGC.

But a meeting between Juve president Giovanni Cobollo Gigli, FIGC emergency commissioner Guido Rossi and Italian Olympic Committee (CONI) president Gianni Petrucci on Wednesday suggests a comprosise could be reached.

"It was an important meeting," said Cobolli Gigli.

"The Juve board will decide what to do and I believe there are signs that they will consider staying within the bounds of the sports authorities."

Juve will announce their decision as to what path they will take on Thursday afternoon.

According to Italian media reports, Juve will decide against going to the TAR if their points penalty is reduced, which would give them a much better chance of promotion.

In addition to their demotion and points deduction for match-fixing in the 2004-05 season, Juve were stripped of last season's league title and the one they lifted the season before that.

They were also denied entry into the Champions league this season.

AC Milan, Fiorentina, Lazio and Reggina were also found guilty of rigging matches, but were allowed to stay in Serie A due to their lesser involvement in the scandal.