Brescia Football Club has emerged victorious in a notable legal dispute with the Municipality. The club, owned by Massimo Cellino, is no longer required to pay nearly 28,000 euros to the Loggia for the use of local police services during their home matches. The civil court overturned the payment order issued by the Loggia in May 2022, marking a pivotal moment in the ongoing legal tussle.
The court did not challenge the urban police regulation,which stipulates that costs for local police services related to security and traffic management during events not of “exclusive or prevalent public interest” must be covered by the organizers. However, the judges ruled against the Loggia, represented by lawyer Pieranna buizza, for failing to notify Brescia Calcio in advance about the total costs of these services. The club, defended by lawyer Luca Bonavitacola, successfully argued that this omission invalidated the payment demand.
Judge Andrea Tinelli emphasized that «the failure to provide a prior cost estimate renders the notice and payment warning invalid.» This ruling leaves the Loggia with two othre pending legal disputes against Brescia Calcio on similar grounds.
Deputy Mayor’s Viewpoint on the Ruling
Deputy Mayor of Brescia, Federico Manzoni, commented on the verdict, stating, «The judgment reaffirms the Municipality’s right to seek reimbursement from brescia Calcio for local police expenses incurred during home matches at the Rigamonti stadium, in line with legislative and municipal regulations.»
Manzoni further elaborated, «While the court accepted Brescia Calcio’s appeal, it appears to overlook the fact that the municipal administration has consistently provided the club with an initial cost estimate for each season, detailing the unit cost per match.» He added,«The administration reserves the right to appeal the decision,as the ruling,while legally sound,raises questions regarding the practical procedures followed by the Municipality.»
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Exclusive Interview with Alessandro Del Piero: The Brescia Legal Battle and Its Impact on Football
Moderator: Welcome back to Sports Insight, where we dive deep into the latest developments in the world of sports. Today, we’re joined by none other than Italian football legend, Alessandro Del Piero. Alessandro, thank you for taking the time to speak with us.Let’s jump right into the topic of the day: the recent legal victory of Brescia Football Club against the Municipality of Brescia. What’s your take on this?
Alessandro Del Piero: Grazie! It’s always a pleasure to be here. This case is captivating as it highlights the intersection of sports, law, and local governance.Brescia’s victory is meaningful, not just for the club, but for football as a whole. It sets a precedent about how clubs interact with local authorities regarding logistical and security costs. the fact that the court overturned the payment order due to a lack of prior notification is a clear message: openness is key.
Moderator: Absolutely. The court didn’t challenge the regulation itself but rather the Municipality’s failure to notify Brescia about the costs upfront.do you think this ruling will encourage other clubs to challenge similar demands from their local governments?
Del piero: without a doubt. Clubs across Italy and even Europe are watching this closely. Many clubs already operate on tight budgets, and unexpected expenses like these can be crippling. This ruling empowers clubs to demand better communication and accountability from local authorities. Though, it’s a double-edged sword. While clubs may feel emboldened, it could also strain relationships with municipalities, which are crucial for stadium maintenance, permits, and community support.
Moderator: That’s a great point.Speaking of strained relationships,Deputy Mayor Federico Manzoni mentioned that the Municipality reserves the right to appeal the decision. Do you think this legal battle could escalate further?
Del Piero: It’s very possible. Manzoni’s comments suggest that the Municipality isn’t backing down. They argue that they’ve consistently provided initial cost estimates to Brescia, so the court’s ruling raises questions about their procedures.If they appeal, this could drag on for months or even years. The bigger question is: at what cost? Both parties risk wasting time and resources that could be better spent improving the club and the city.
Moderator: Let’s shift gears slightly. From a broader perspective, do you think this case sheds light on the financial pressures facing smaller football clubs like Brescia?
Del Piero: Absolutely. Smaller clubs frequently enough operate in the shadow of giants like juventus or AC Milan. Every euro counts for them. This case highlights the financial burdens they face, from player salaries to stadium upkeep to unexpected costs like police services. It’s a reminder that football isn’t just a game; it’s a business.Clubs need to be savvy about their finances, and local governments need to recognize the economic and cultural value these clubs bring to their communities.
Moderator: Well said. Before we wrap up, let’s open the floor to our readers.What do you think about this ruling? Should clubs be responsible for covering police and security costs, or should these expenses fall under municipal budgets? Let us no in the comments below.
Del Piero: I’m eager to hear what the fans think. After all, football is nothing without its supporters. Grazie mille for having me,and let’s hope this case leads to a fairer,more clear relationship between clubs and their cities.
Moderator: Thank you, Alessandro, for your insights and for joining us today. To our readers, don’t forget to share your thoughts and join the conversation. Until next time, this is Sports Insight.Stay tuned!
