The plan was designed to allow clubs to spread the payment of tax arrears to prevent any immediate casualties, and allow the clubs to continue to compete at the highest level of European competition.
UEFA’s new club licensing programme demands that clubs can prove their financial security to enable them to take part in their events.
But the Italian plans – supported by prime minister Silvio Berlusconi, who owns AC Milan – had attracted criticism from the opposition and, most importantly, the EC, who have warned about any state aid which may give club unfair advantage.
Said Berlusconi after the plans were put on hold: “I'm rather negative about the current situation, I think it will be difficult to find a solution."
Plans by the Italian government for a decree to assist soccer clubs spread their tax arrears over a number of years have been shelved.
