FIR issue statement on immediate future of Zebre Parma

The Italian Rugby Federation (FIR) have revealed that it will retain 100 per cent control of the Zebre Parma franchise – for now at least.

The club was put up for sale in December, but only “one entity linked to the territory of Parma” expressed interest, according to an FIR statement that did not disclose further details about the potential buyer.

The statement reads: “The Federal Council of the FIR, during the meeting on Friday 7 February at the Sala Giunta of the CONI in Rome, examined the expression of interest received in relation to the possible privatization of the Zebre Rugby federal franchise.

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“The Federal President, in inviting the governing body of Italian rugby to express itself on the expression of interest received from an entity referable to the territory of Parma, thanked the regional and municipal institutions, companies and private individuals who promptly took action to present a proposal to take over Zebre Rugby.

“The Board, having analysed the documentation received, took note of how what was proposed was only partially compliant with the requirements and consequently resolved not to follow up, while hoping that the interest shown by the political and entrepreneurial realities of the territory could constitute a starting point for a more structured participation in the financial-administrative structure of the Franchise, as well as in the consolidation and development in the current context.”

The Italian Rugby Federation will therefore continue to hold 100% of the shares of Zebre Rugby and the participation of the Franchise, based at the “Sergio Lanfranchi” Stadium in Parma, in the international events BKT United Rugby Championship and EPCR, guaranteeing business continuity and an increased consistency with the sporting mission, for an even greater adherence and enhancement of the federal high-performance technical project.

Zebre Parma currently sit 15th in the URC standings, one spot off the bottom.

This development stands in contrast to Italy’s other URC representative – Benetton Rugby – which is backed by the Benetton fashion group and currently lies in 10th place. While Zebre Parma’s on-field struggles have been well-documented, the off-field uncertainty surrounding the ownership situation only adds further complexity.