Pagliuca appeals for respect

Friday 22 July, 2005

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Bologna ‘keeper Gianluca Pagliuca has called for his side to be reinstated to Serie A.

The Rossoblu were relegated last season after a play-out with Parma.

However, Messina and Torino have been told that they have been excluded from the top flight due to financial problems - with Bologna on stand-by to replace Messina.

They still have the right to appeal though, but Pagliuca has urged the authorities to respect the rules.

“In other sports like basketball, the rules are respected and several clubs were punished for not following them,” said the former Azzurri man.

“Why shouldn’t the same thing happen in football?

“Last year the presidents agreed to pay the taxes by June 30 – whoever did not do so must be relegated.”

It remains to be seen whether or not the ruling will be upheld, but Pagliuca insists that it won’t affect his future.

“What will I do if Bologna will play in Serie B? Where do you want me to go – this is my city!”

Meanwhile, Greek side PAOK have completed the signing of Theo Zagorakis.

The Greece captain, named as the Player of the Tournament at Euro 2004, has agreed a two-year deal.

He leaves Bologna just one season into his contract after both parties agreed that a move was in their best interests.