MILAN, March 28 (Reuters) - Italian Serie B leaders Empoli face having six points deducted after a probe into irregularities during anti-doping tests.
The anti-doping commission of the Italian Olympic Committee
(CONI) said in a statement on Thursday that they had recommended
the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) impose a six-point
deduction on Empoli and a four-year suspension from the game for
their club doctor.
Empoli have been accused of trying to interfere in the
selection of players for post-match doping tests.
Should the FIGC back the recommended points deduction it
could severely damage Empoli's chances of winning promotion to
Serie A.
Empoli doctor Francesco Ammannati was suspended by the club
on Tuesday after a hearing with CONI, and his lawyer admitted
there had been 'small violations of the regulations'.
The anti-doping commission also called for a 2000 Euro fine
to be imposed on Empoli president Fabrizio Corsi for behaviour
'against the principles of correct sportsmanship'.
The probe has focused on two Empoli matches -- the March 3
game at Pistoiese and the March 17 home match against Reggina
when the club are accused of trying to influence the selection
of players for testing.
Empoli lead Serie B by three points from Modena with 10
games remaining, but should they lose the six points they would
slip outside the top four places which give promotion to the top
division.
- NEWS
