Final Auction To Sell Relegated Italian Club Parma Held Tuesday

A final auction to sell Parma has taken place, "with the club needing a buyer to be able to compete in Serie B next season," according to FOOTBALL ITALIA. The Ducali were relegated from Serie A in the season just finished, "having been declared bankrupt in March." If the club can pay its sporting debt by the end of this month, it will be "granted permission to play in Serie B next season, as is customary for sides relegated from the top flight." However, if it is unable to do so, it will be "forced to begin again from the amateur divisions." The auction ended at 12pm Italian time on Tuesday, "but it is not yet clear if a buyer has been found." Former Major League Baseball player Mike Piazza said that he is "interested in taking over the club, though 'nothing is guaranteed,'" while bids could also arrive from Paul Squires of the Adler Group and Massimo Zanetti, owner of coffee company Segafredo (FOOTBALL ITALIA, 6/9).