Italian Olympic Committee (CONI) President Giovanni Malago called AC Milan's ban from the Europa League "a bit of a blow for Italian football," according to FOOTBALL ITALIA. The club was given a one-year European ban for breaching financial fair play, though it will appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport. Malago said, "I've always dutifully maintained a profile of respect for institutions, but there's no doubt that UEFA's judgement on Milan is a bit of a blow for Italian football. ... The history of this club doesn't deserve a decision like this, sporting results written in stone, an infinity of international trophies, starting from seven Champions Leagues" (FOOTBALL ITALIA, 6/28). FOOTBALL ITALIA also reported Italian Football Federation (FIGC) Commissioner Roberto Fabbricini believes AC Milan has "the support of all Italian sport" in its appeal against a UEFA ban. Fabbricini said, "A sentence has to be respected. There will be chances for the club though, there are several levels of appeal within the sporting justice system. Milan will go to the end and I think I can say that they'll do so with the support of all Italian sport" (FOOTBALL ITALIA, 6/28).
