Juventus docked 15 points by Italian court over fraudulent transfer dealings

• Juventus have been docked 15 points after investigations into their transfer dealings
• This is a major blow to the Turin club, who were third in the Serie A, 10 points adrift of leaders Napoli
• Damaging reports claim Juventus fixed their balance sheets for financial gain

Serie A giants Juventus have been dealt a blow after being deducted 15 points following an investigation into the club’s transfer activities.

The points deduction is set to push Juventus to mid table, with 20 games of the season to go.

It is being reported that an investigation brought to light that the club fixed their balance sheets by artificial gains from club transfers.

As reported on BBC, Juventus have denied any wrong doing, and are set to appeal the decision, but damage may already have been done.

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This comes barely two months after the club’s president Andrea Agnelli and vice-president Pavel Nedved resigned.

For Agnelli, the football court ruled that he may be banned in Italian football for 24 months.

Former Juventus sports director, Fabio Paratici, who is now a managing director at Tottenham, was also slapped with a 30-month ban, but it does not affect his work outside of Italy.

Notably, the ruling from the Italy's football federation (FIGC), is much harsher than the typical nine-point reduction that is usually imposed on such malpractices.

Here are some reaction from fans after the latest developments:

User @To40686707 said:

“Oh what a surprise, all of fifa is corrupt but Italy is a mess , juvendus we’re relegated into second division for paying off people”

@kennydenz added:

From match fixing scandal to this again. Juventus is a club built on corruption and the Italian foot federation won't say they're not aware!

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@Lyrics_Ginobli recalled:

“I remember 2006-07 they were penalised for match fixing n now this seems that cookie jar sweet,”

Meanwhile, the FIGC intends to extend the sanctions to Uefa and Fifa and therefore then apply worldwide.

Serie A strugglers re-hire manager

Elsewhere, Sports Brief reported on how Serie A strugglers Salernitana re hired their manager just two days after sacking him.

Davide Nicola was initially shown the door by Salernitana after a crushing 8-2 defeat to Atalanta on Monday, January 16.

In an extraordinary turn of events, the club decided to bring Nicola back to the dugout, with the club president Danilo Iervolino opening up on his change of heart.