“The 4.0 Committee, in the light of the measures taken by the Draghi government on the measures to reduce the capacity for spectators (sports hall at 35% and stadiums at 50%) reiterates that safeguarding health is the fundamental asset in our country. Hence the choice must have a logical and coherent consequence: to move towards the mandatory nature of vaccinations. Foolish and shortsighted are those who say that it would be a democratic right to guarantee non-vaccination. Those who do not get vaccinated can do so, but they cannot harm the health and freedom of others. For athletes, especially high profile athletes, no exemptions can be allowed.
The restriction of access to sports halls and stadiums has a very evident negative effect: the Clubs, which for two years have been experiencing very serious financial difficulties due to the negative effects caused by the pandemic, are in danger of collapse. Because, if on the one hand box office receipts will be reduced, this situation will be aggravated by the fact that sponsors will sign fewer contracts and with reduced amounts. In addition, the clubs will see expenses for health protection measures rise with the related increased health checks.
From which we highlight, today, the absurdity of the non-refinancing of the tax credit measure.
The Government, also in view of the restrictive measures in the access of spectators, should have understood the imperative of the refinancing of the tax credit measure.
At this point there is a need to reflect on these two years that we have behind us and which we strongly raise to the Government.
Volleyball, basketball and football in the pandemic, and even now, have continued to play games.
Ensuring their members’ income and allowing Italians moments of leisure.
While this happened with considerable negative repercussions on the finances of the Clubs, finances that are ensured by private entrepreneurs who do so at the cost of very high sacrifices, the Clubs themselves were not only not recognized the right refreshments, but they were penalized with respect to similar activities. which, during the pandemic, closed their activities.
The sports clubs paid twice: less income, fewer sponsors and, absurdly, fewer refreshments because the activities continued.
Thats enough! We are irritated and angry.
We need, now and not tomorrow, the refinancing of the measure relating to the tax credit.
The decrease in capacities in sports halls and stadiums makes the intervention very urgent ad horas.
We need a measure that ensures refreshments, we say this without hesitation because the collapse is near, with a non-repayable fund due to an evident and heavy drop in revenues.
And to this were added the costs due to the fact that the activities were kept open.
Payment of tax and contribution refunds in installments, so that the State recover the amount due and the Clubs can do so.
If this does not happen, the clubs risk bankruptcy and the state will lose its due.
And it will have fewer jobs.
Last, but not least, is the absurd story about “tampon” refreshments and health care costs.
To date, nothing has yet arrived in the coffers of the Clubs.
The deadline must be placed on this matter, it has been going on for months: proceed by sending the amount due to the Clubs, immediately!
We ask President Draghi that the Government receive us, together with our respective Federations and other sports disciplines.
And please pay attention to the diligent work of the undersecretary for sport, Valentina Vezzali ”.
LNP – National Basketball League
