Points without playing?

By: Jeremy | March 26th, 2008

Its not often you get a chance to pick up points on your relegation rivals without even stepping on the pitch, but today is the day that the final decision will be made as it relates to the deduction of three points by the Italian Football Federation because of the clubs actions against a former player for slander.

To say this is huge is an understatement. I originally thought these points were taken away just to rub Cagliaris nose in their dismal season and to tell Cellino he needs to keep his big mouth shut. At the time of the decision, Cagliari was all but relegated and no one thought they had any chance to turn their season around so the loss of three points really didnt matter. Now that they have reversed form and have played as well as any Serie A team in the second half, they are right in the middle of the relegation battle and to get the three points back would put them past two of their relegation rivals and on the fringe of safety. These points not only move them up in the standings, but make facing a tough Roma squad this week a little easier. If they lose to Roma but get three points back, it is still like a win for the week. If they get the three points and then beat Roma, they are really shooting up the standings and they are no longer the favorites for relegation.

Even if you believe that Cagliari violated the federation rules in their conduct with a former player, to me it is not the kind of violation that warrants a three point penalty. It did not invlove the use of illegal players or any form of bribing or cheating so this should be the kind of violation that results in a fine not the loss of points.

I am predicting that while the verdict may not be overturned, the penalty will be changed to a fine or some other penalty that gets the points back. While it was just addiing salt to a wound at the time of the original decision, it would not be fair to the players who have fought back with such heart to the point they can actually retain their Serie A status for another year, to take points away from them for what really is a minor infraction. Lets hope the proper deals have been made and the points are restored.

I think they will be.

Forza Cagliari!