Parma hit with one-point deduction by Italian Football Federation
Serie A strugglers Parma have been deducted one point as punishment for the club's financial irregularities last season, the Italian Football Federation announced on Tuesday.
The Ducale club have also been handed a 5,000 euros fine while Parma president Tommaso Ghirardi and the club administrator Pietro Leonardi have each been given a two-month suspension.
Parma finished sixth last term but were not granted a UEFA license by the FIGC to compete in the 2014-15 Europa League after failing to pay income tax on time.
A statement from the FIGC read: "The FIGC tribunal has ruled that Parma will be deducted a point in their standings, to be discounted during this sporting season, while the club must pay a 5,000 euros fine.
"President Tommaso Ghirardi and club administrator Pietro Leonardi will be suspended for two months and each fined 5,000 euros for financial irregularities."
Tuesday's ruling comes at the worst possible time for Parma.
The Ducale club, coached by Roberto Donadoni, have endured a nightmare season. The Gialloblu have collected just six points from 14 league games and lie at the foot of the standings.
The FIGC punishment has left Parma with just five points, eight adrift of safety, heading into Sunday's home match against Cagliari.
