Italian Football Delays Serie B Season

Recently the start to the Serie B, the 2nd division in Italy, was delayed until September 12th [http://www.channel4.com/sport/football_italia/aug9h.html]. It seems that the authorities in charge of these things are starting to acknowledge that the betting scandals that emerged last spring are not isolated incidents. So far it looks like 33 individuals and 12 clubs have been named as being defendants in the investigation. It'll be interesting how these things shake out with some clubs like Siena having several players and directors looking to have taken part of this. Siena narrowly avoided relegation from the top flight to Serie B last year. And with Gaucci and Perguia's lawsuit still pending, one has to wonder how this may add ammo to his claims that Perguia shouldn't have been relegated. In short, Gaucci's suit alleges that several clubs did not meet the league's financial requirements and therefore should've been relegated [http://www.channel4.com/sport/football_italia/jun26j.html]. While many people view Gaucci as a wacko who's pullin' yet another stunt, the man does have a legimate point in this case. Even if the courts don't side with him, it's painfully obvious that between the betting scandal and the loopholes in the rules that seem to favor the big clubs that Italian football needs a big clearout and some new blood brought in. It's sad to see what was once considered the best league in the world not that long ago becoming better known for it's scandals off the field than what happens on it.