By Marta Elena Casanova
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Index
The FIGC has officially denied Brescia Calcio a license for the 2025–2026 Serie C season, confirming the exclusion of the historic club founded in 1911. With a legacy rich in achievements across Serie A, B, and domestic cups, Brescia now faces the real risk of disappearing from the Italian professional football landscape.
Financial crisis: debts, penalties, and embarrassing silence
Brescia accumulated serious arrears — wages, INPS/IRPEF contributions (nearly €3 million), and debts to the tax authorities — in addition to an 8-point penalty that led to relegation to Serie C. The club failed to present the required financial guarantee or pay the registration fee — both mandatory conditions for the license.
President Massimo Cellino, who took over in 2017, ignored all warnings and refused to allocate the €3–6 million needed to avoid financial collapse.
Cellino pushes back: appeals, accusations, and possible rescue
Despite the exclusion, Cellino — under fire from fans calling for his departure — is not giving up: he has announced an appeal to the TAR (regional administrative court), claiming he is not responsible for the missing documentation. But time is short.
There are three possible outcomes:
First, a potential change of ownership or court-approved restructuring. An American consortium led by Francesco Marroccu and backed by local investors (including Daniele Scuola) is reportedly ready to inject €3–6 million to clear debts and restore the club’s eligibility.
Second, a merger with Feralpisalò: this would involve moving the team to Brescia, changing the name and colors, and keeping a professional club in the city.
Lastly, a potential FIGC repechage (reinstatement) could happen if other clubs withdraw or are excluded. Brescia, still holding its historic sporting title, could then be admitted as an exception.
Breakdown with the Municipality and the Rigamonti stadium standoff
To make matters worse, on June 28 the City of Brescia revoked the agreement for the use of the Rigamonti Stadium, ending a contract that was valid until 2028.
On July 2, no club representatives showed up to return the keys, forcing the city to change the locks with a locksmith.
Cellino responded with legal threats and lawsuits, claiming rights to the stadium and club trademarks.
Timeline and uncertain future:
- July 3: FIGC officially denies entry to Serie C, confirming Brescia’s exclusion from professional football.
- By July 15: final opportunity for deals, ownership changes, court agreements, or mergers.
- End of July: final decision on Serie C lineup and possible repechages.
If no developments occur between mid and late July, Brescia will face bankruptcy and the club will be forced to restart from Eccellenza or Promozione, losing over a century of professional history.
On one hand, there’s hope for a miraculous salvation via investors, mergers, or political negotiations. On the other, the very real threat of Le Rondinelle having to start over in amateur football with a new registration number and a long road to rebirth.
The fall of Brescia Calcio stands as one of the most dramatic chapters in recent Italian football: a legendary club collapsing under legal battles and debts accumulated during eight years of Cellino’s management.
By Marta Elena Casanova
