Trapani Calcio will remain in Serie C, but the club’s financial troubles continue to mount. The Italian Football Federation’s (FIGC) National Federal Court has imposed another five-point deduction on the Sicilian side for administrative irregularities, bringing their total point penalty to 20 for the current season. Despite the ongoing sanctions, Trapani will not be excluded from the league.
The latest penalty stems from violations related to payments for contributions and taxes, specifically two installments of INPS and IRPEF that were due in August and September 2025, as part of a payment plan with the Tax Agency of Trapani. The club had presented a suspension of these tax bills obtained from the local Tax Commission as a defense, but the court ruled against them. This decision comes after the club was initially deferred on January 3rd following a report from the Independent Commission for the Verification of the Economic and Financial Equilibrium of Sports Companies.
The ruling, delivered on Monday, March 9, 2026, avoids the more severe punishment of expulsion that the FIGC Prosecutor’s Office had requested, citing a pattern of non-compliance. However, the five-point deduction drops Trapani to the penultimate position in Group C with 23 points. The club now awaits another decision from the TFN regarding a separate deferral from February 16th, adding further uncertainty to their season.
President Antonini Likewise Sanctioned
The court’s penalties weren’t limited to points deductions. Trapani president Valerio Antonini has been handed a six-month ban from football activities and fined €1,000. This inibizione, or ban, further complicates the club’s leadership structure as it navigates its financial and sporting challenges.
For Trapani supporters, the news offers a temporary reprieve from the threat of outright exclusion, but the substantial point penalty significantly hampers their chances of avoiding relegation. The club’s precarious position underscores the broader financial difficulties facing some Italian lower-league teams, where maintaining economic stability can be as challenging as achieving success on the pitch. It’s a situation familiar to many clubs in Serie C, where strict financial oversight is intended to prevent unsustainable spending and ensure long-term viability.
The decision isn’t final. Both Trapani, represented by lawyer Rodella and the FIGC Prosecutor’s Office have the right to appeal to the Federal Court of Appeal within ten days to receive the motivations of the ruling. Given the necessary time for proceedings, an appeal hearing is expected to take place before April 10th, leaving Trapani with limited time to potentially overturn the decision before the end of the regular season.
This latest development adds another layer of complexity to a turbulent season for Trapani Calcio. The club, based in the city of Trapani in Sicily, has faced ongoing scrutiny regarding its financial health, and these recent sanctions highlight the severity of the situation. The club’s ability to navigate these challenges will be crucial not only for its survival in Serie C but also for its long-term future.
The situation also raises questions about the effectiveness of the current financial regulations in Serie C. While the aim is to promote financial stability, the repeated penalties imposed on Trapani suggest that enforcement could be strengthened. The league’s governing bodies will likely review the case to determine if any adjustments to the regulations are necessary.
As Trapani prepares to contest the appeal, the club’s focus will undoubtedly be on securing enough points to climb out of the relegation zone. Their next match is a crucial fixture against [Opponent to be confirmed], and the outcome will have significant implications for their survival hopes. Fans will be hoping that the team can put the off-field turmoil behind them and deliver a positive performance on the pitch.
The club’s website and official social media channels will provide updates on the appeal process and any further developments. For fans seeking more detailed information, Gazzetta dello Sport offers comprehensive coverage of the case.
The next confirmed checkpoint for Trapani Calcio is their upcoming Serie C match. The date and opponent are yet to be confirmed, but the club will undoubtedly be looking to bounce back from this setback and fight for their place in the league.
