The dreams of a fresh start for Trapani Basket in Italy`s prestigious Serie A have been dealt a significant blow. The Sicilian club, aspiring to make its mark in the top-flight basketball league, will now embark on its 2025-2026 campaign with an immediate handicap: a four-point deduction. This severe penalty, alongside a hefty fine, has been upheld following the rejection of their appeal by the highest sports judicial body.
The Verdict from CONI
On July 16, 2025, the First Section of the CONI (Italian National Olympic Committee) Guarantee College, presided over by attorney Vito Branca, definitively rejected Trapani`s recourse. The club had lodged its appeal on June 20, challenging the Italian Basketball Federation`s (FIP) decision, which was ratified during an extraordinary Federal Council meeting on May 21, 2025. Beyond the four-point deduction, the Guarantee College also ordered Trapani to pay €10,000 in legal expenses, split equally between FIP and Lega Serie A, making this a financially punitive setback as well as a competitive one.
The Genesis of the Predicament
The punitive measures stem from financial irregularities discovered during checks performed by COMTEC (Technical Control Commission). Specifically, FIP identified discrepancies in the club`s payments of IRPEF (income tax) and INPS (social security contributions), as initially flagged by the Italian Revenue Agency. For a professional sports club, adhering to fiscal obligations is not merely good practice; it is a fundamental pillar of competitive integrity. Failure to comply, however inadvertently, can lead to severe sanctions designed to ensure a level playing field and maintain the financial health of the league.
A Tale of Alleged Deception
However, this isn`t simply a case of a club caught offside on its tax returns. Trapani Basket vehemently asserts its innocence, claiming to be the victim of a sophisticated fraud. According to club President Valerio Antonini, the irregularities arose from deceptive practices by a Milan-based company, which Trapani has reported to judicial authorities. In a rather unfortunate coincidence, Antonini also noted that the same company had allegedly defrauded Massimo Cellino, the prominent patron of Brescia football club, adding a layer of complexity and potential systemic vulnerability to this otherwise clear-cut ruling. It’s an intriguing defense, painting a picture of a victimized club rather than one simply negligent.
Unwavering Resolve: A Fight for Justice
Despite the unequivocal nature of the CONI ruling, Trapani Basket is far from throwing in the towel. President Valerio Antonini`s public statements resonate with a defiant spirit, indicating the club`s determination to exhaust all avenues to clear its name. He took to X (formerly Twitter) to express his disappointment, stating, “Decision that we accept even if incomprehensible, especially in light of the memories presented by our legal group.” Antonini`s resolve remains unshaken, as he confirmed the club`s intention to appeal the decision to the Regional Administrative Court (TAR). This continued legal battle suggests Trapani believes its evidence of fraud is compelling enough to overturn the penalty, even if Italy`s top sports court has disagreed.
“We will now go to the TAR, we will not surrender to an ungenerous decision that does not take into account the evidence in our possession that we produced in court.”
— Valerio Antonini, President of Trapani Basket
The Road Ahead: A Season of Resilience
As the dust settles on this latest ruling, Trapani Basket finds itself in an unenviable position. Starting a season with a four-point deficit is akin to running a marathon with a head start for your competitors. It demands exceptional resilience, flawless performance, and an unwavering belief in their abilities. The club`s legal saga will undoubtedly continue off the court, running in parallel with their battles on it. This situation serves as a stark reminder of the intricate interplay between sports performance, financial compliance, and legal frameworks, where a single misstep – or an alleged external deception – can dramatically alter a club`s trajectory and aspirations. For Trapani, the upcoming Serie A season will not just be about scoring baskets; it will be a testament to their resolve in overcoming adversity.
