Lazio's Claudio Lotito calls for 18-team Serie A championship

Oct 17, 2012 7:50:00 PM

The Biancocelesti president has said reducing the Italian format from 20 teams would give a reprieve to sides struggling financially reportedly saying €60 million could be gained

Lazio president Claudio Lotito has stated that having a championship with only 18 teams would do wonders for the economic disparities of Serie A.

In an interview with the Italian magazine, Panorama, Lotito stated that with only one team relegated to the Serie B, and one moving up, and 18 teams in total playing, Serie A would work better.

"The championships need to be made up of 18 clubs, the Lega Pro should have no more than 54-60 clubs," said Lotito.

“There should also only be one relegation from A and one promotion from B.

“The team that comes second in Serie B should then play-off against the team that comes second from bottom in Serie A.”

The Lazio CEO feels that with this way, the Italian economic conflicts would come to an end and there would no longer be "the uncertainty concerning resources that there is now."

Lotito's credibility comes from a recent publication in the Italian website, Gazzetta dello Sport, where it was reported that his club had in recent seasons presented the best financial results.

He added: “The reduction of teams is necessary because there are not the necessary resources in the present system.

“This leads to some critical economical situations that we need to avoid. With these changes, you would put an end to the economical conflicts and you would have more financial certainties.”

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