Parma have been handed a lifeline in their desperate bid to avoid going out of business, having already suffered relegation from Serie A.
The struggling Ducali failed to find a bidder at what was believed to be the fifth and final auction on May 28, but now the judge has set a new date of midday on June 9 in a last-ditch attempt to save the club from bankruptcy.
“There is still a chance – I hope it’ll not be wasted,” said captain Alessandro Lucarelli in response to the latest judgement, as reported by Gazzetta dello Sport.
“It’ll surely be our last opportunity.
“I know there are ongoing negotiations with some players [over unpaid wages] who have previously worn the shirt and who do not intend to reduce their demands.
“I hope those reach a successful conclusion and they must understand that, in the event that we do not manage to hit the required target, they will lose all the money anyway.”
There was also an official statement published on the club’s website, with the current players collectively conveying their feelings on the matter in the hope of pricking the conscience of those who have not yet waived their rights to monies owed.
“In light of the auction which failed to find a buyer again, and the judge’s decision to set a final auction date of June 9, we, as players of Parma FC, wish to express our regret at this situation which means the club’s future is still not secure.
“The sporting debt is still too high and we are aware that the sacrifices we have made are not sufficient.
“We would like to thank those colleagues who have followed our lead, while we are really sorry for all the others who, conversely, have not yet wanted to collaborate.
“We hope all follow our example and align to the same waiver [of monies owed] agreed by the team.
“Each of us is entitled to not give up anything that is owed to him, whether it be a little amount or a lot, but there is no alternative if you want to help provide hope of the club’s survival.
“The future of Parma FC, of the people who work there and those who love the club, first and foremost, is in the hands of all of us.
“The clock is ticking. Words aren’t enough – we need action.”
