Historic Italian football club Brescia is set to disappear after 114 years, following owner Massimo Cellino’s refusal to settle a €3 million ($3.4 million) debt.
Cellino, who took over the Lombardy-based club in 2017, previously owned English club Leeds United, where he gained notoriety for frequently changing managers and facing legal issues.
The 68-year-old had until Friday to clear part of Brescia’s €8 million tax debt and other unpaid dues. The club’s inability to meet the deadline means it has now lost its eligibility to compete in the Italian football league system.
As a consequence of its financial troubles, the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) tribunal docked Brescia four points. This penalty saw the club drop from 15th place to 18th in Serie B—falling from 43 to 39 points—and ultimately being relegated to Serie C.
Brescia played 23 seasons in Serie A, most recently in 2019–2020. Their best-ever finish came in the 2000–2001 season when they placed eighth.
The club has been home to several iconic players, including Roberto Baggio, Alessandro Altobelli, Andrea Pirlo, and Luca Toni. Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola also wore the Brescia shirt during the 2001–02 and 2003 seasons.
