Reports emanating from Italy have been speculating that the Serie A club Parma FC is in the midst of significant financial concerns. Widespread reports believe that the Italian side were required to make an immediate capital injection of £12 million before midnight on Monday or face a points penalty.
It is understood that Parma failed to meet the deadline which required the club to pay three months of outstanding taxes and/or wages to their players and staff. Various Italian media outlets are reporting that the Serie A side were only able to pay off one month.
Parma have already seen their place in the UEFA Europa League stripped this season due to late payment of taxes. The Ducali will now face a point deduction from the Italian Federation since the club was unable to meet its wage deadline. This sanction would be significant because Parma are already struggling at the foot of the Serie A table.
Reports began to surface last last week that Parma president Tommaso Ghirardi was either “unwilling” or “unable” to provide the necessary capital related to income of tax payments for July, August and September. As well as the £12 million that is past due, Parma is also carrying a current debt of roughly £40m.
President Ghirardi has own the club since 2007 but has become disillusioned with Italian football following the refusal of the FIGC to grant Parma a UEFA license following their sixth-place finish last season.
According to the Italian publication Gazzetta di Parma, the 39-year-old Italian businessman has been involved in recent talks to sell the club with several parties reportedly interested in investing in the 100-year-old Serie A side. However, there are conflicting reports coming from Italy claiming that negotiations have either stalled, or no concrete offer has been submitted.
