Magistrate makes his ruling - 4 clubs to stand trial

[Splatypus]

Juventus, Milan, Lazio and Fiorentina have been ordered to stand trial over match-fixing allegations.

Italian football federation prosecutor Stefano Palazzi confirmed the four clubs will face questions over match-fixing allegations and demotion is a likely outcome if found guilty.

Palazzi did not divulge the names of individuals, but said a number of sports figures would also be ordered to stand trial in the sports court.

The trial is due to start next Wednesday at Rome's Stadio Olimpico, with the Italian federation keen to reach a conclusion in early July - allowing for the authorities and clubs to plan for next term.
Source Sky (http://home.skysports.com/list.asp?hlid=397557&CPID=21&clid=128&lid=8&title=Four+clubs+to+stand+trial)

Heard that 30 individuals will also stand trial (source TSN world cup pre-game show)

[Bruun]

The trial is quick!

We will already have the verdict on the 7th of July. Perhaps te 9th.

http://ekstrabladet.dk/sport/udenlandsk_fodbold/article206281.ece

[narduch]

The trial needs to be quick, to allow for appeals. They need to know the verdicts by July 26, so that Italy can tell UEFA which teams will take part in Euro competitions this year.

[Brigadier]

I'm guessing this means Inter will be handed the title as well, if the rest are found guilty?

The ramifications of a guilty verdict will be widespread for the league and Italian football in general. I get the feeling money is probably changing hands as we speak, and the big clubs will see a 'favourable' outcome or at the very least a lenient punishment.

[Splatypus]

I'm guessing this means Inter will be handed the title as well, if the rest are found guilty?

I'm pretty sure this investigation only concerns the 2004-05 season, so it's unclear if there will be any changes to the 05-06 title or UEFA CL/Cup spots.

[Jason]

I'm glad to see the first steps starting, this thing needs to be taken care of ASAP, and hopefully honestly. Real change of heart for the future of Italian football would be nice.

Italy has been dipping in players drawing power against the EPL and La Liga lately and this scandal has scared me to death, I could see a mass exodus.

Whatever happens, a lot has *already* happened to the Seria A brand, it will take a long time to recover from

[Dogme]

If Juve are found guilty, then the title shouldn't be given to Inter. It would make more sense to declare the 2005/2006 serie A season null and void.

[Brigadier]

I'm not that tuned into the finances of Italian clubs, so does anyone know the current levels of debt of the 4 clubs involved (if of course there is any)?

Also, I take it Italian clubs make television deals on their own, as opposed to the one deal for the whole league in England. Would these get terminated if they are relegated, i.e. some sort of clause in the contract?