Serie B agrees deal to avert strike
Reuters - Wednesday 08 October 2008, 16:53
MILAN - Struggling clubs in Italy's second division agreed to a 65-million euro ($89 million) handout from Serie A on Wednesday after fears they would call a strike if they did not receive the money they needed.
Serie B sides had asked for more than 65 million euros but have agreed to the figure rather than causing a bigger dispute with the top flight clubs, some of whom favour a one-division Super League which would leave the second tier more exposed.
"It's averted a problem with the championship but with this money there will be clubs that won't make it to Christmas," Aldo Spinelli, president of Serie B side Livorno, told reporters.
Serie B clubs are struggling financially because of the world economic crisis, falling attendances and the lack of a television deal last season.
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