Confusion reigned at Serie A side Parma on Tuesday as the club "failed to provide any official comment" on whether it had paid the players' wages by the previous day's deadline, according to Brian Homewood of REUTERS. Players said that "they had no news as they arrived for training while one television network broadcast pictures which it said showed a van and car being hauled away by bailiffs on behalf of one of the club's creditors." Parma player Fabiano Santacroce said, "We don't know absolutely anything. We are just hoping for some good news." The players said they have not been paid all season and "had warned they would take legal action if they had not received their wages by Monday" (REUTERS, 2/17). ESPN's Ben Gladwell reported worse "could follow for Parma if their employees, including playing staff, go through with their threat of serving a default notice." Parma GM Pietro Leonardi said, "We're still optimistic. Last night, we saw the numbers on the bank transfers and we're expecting the situation to be resolved." Missing the midnight deadline imposed by the players and other creditors "will nevertheless result in further punishment for the Serie A strugglers, who have already had one point docked for failing to pay wages and taxes in August" (ESPN, 2/17).
