Tardelli on Juventus board
Wednesday 14 June, 2006
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Juventus “turn a new page to leave behind a sad chapter in our history” by appointing Giovanni Cobolli Gigli as the new President and Marco Tardelli to the Board of Directors.
The entire Board of Directors resigned in the wake of the Calciopoli scandal that has rocked the club, as Luciano Moggi is under investigation for alleged match-fixing and collusion with referees.
Franzo Grande Stevens and former Bianconeri legend Giampiero Boniperti will be the honorary Presidents, while ex-Juve defender Tardelli is to be a director at the club.
Patron John Elkann, the heir to the Agnelli Empire, commented on today’s key shareholders’ meeting to begin a new era for La Vecchia Signora.
“Giovanni Cobolli Gigli is a President we have faith in, as he has worked for us for many years and is able to bring us the stability Juve need at the moment.”
Cobolli Gigli is a 60-year-old head of Federdistribuzione and President of the Upim Spa supermarket chain.
Former editor of French newspaper L’Equipe, Jean Claude Blanc, is the new administrator. He organised the Tour de France and Paris-Dakar rally race for nine years and is also director general of the French Tennis Association responsible for the Roland Garros tournament.
Tardelli won five Scudetto titles, two Coppa Italia trophies, the European Cup and UEFA Cup during his playing career at Juventus, not to mention the 1982 World Cup with Italy. Following his retirement, he became a successful Coach with the Under-21 side and a brief spell at Inter.
President of the Piemonte Bank Camillo Venesio, Stefano Bertola, Carlo Sant’Albano, Riccardo Montanaro, Marzio Saà and Italy’s volleyball Coach Gian Paolo Montali are also on the Board.
The giants face a potential earthquake this summer, as allegations of match-fixing could see them docked points or even demoted to Serie B or C if found guilty.
“We are ready for every eventuality. Today we turn a new page to leave behind a sad chapter in our history,” said Elkann.
“This is an important day for us, because we want to confirm that Juventus’ story will continue. It’s a long and difficult journey ahead of us, so the support of our fans is more crucial than ever. It’s time to get to work, as on June 29 the new Board of Directors will be elected.”
There are also other changes taking place, as after 12 years at the club, Scouting Chief Francesco Ceravolo has left Juventus.