Juventus applies to Italian Olympic Committee for arbitration in match-fixing scandal

Juventus applied Wednesday to the Italian Olympic Committee for arbitration in Italy's match-fixing scandal, after dropping its appeal to a civil court.

Photo: Juventus applies to Italian Olympic Committee for arbitration in match-fixing scandal

Juventus applies to Italian Olympic Committee for arbitration in match-fixing scandal

Juventus was stripped of its last two Serie A titles, demoted to Serie B and docked 17 points by a sports tribunal ruling on July 25. The club is hoping to have its points-penalty reduced by the Italian Olympic Committee, or CONI.

The move was made after Juventus agreed to withdraw its appeal to an ordinary court last week, on the basis of indications from sports officials it would be treated more leniently than previously.

Juventus' decision to drop the civil appeal came as a relief to soccer authorities. FIFA had threatened to suspend World Cup champion Italy and all Italian clubs from international competition if the Turin powerhouse sought recourse through Italy's ordinary courts.

No date has been set for the arbitration but CONI's ruling will not delay the start of the Italian soccer season this weekend, reports AP.

The Italian Olympic Committe's board of conciliation and arbitration is the highest body in Italian sports justice.