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Parma's uncertain future: Former Uefa Cup winners rack up debts

ParmaGetty Images

Parma lifted the Uefa Cup for a second time in 1999

By Jonathan Jurejko
BBC Sport

In the late 1980s, Parma was best known for producing thin-sliced prosciutto ham and hard, dusty cheese you sprinkle on bolognese.

But over the next decade, Italy international Gianfranco Zola and South American stars Faustino Asprilla and Hernan Crespo helped ensure the Italian city became synonymous with football as well as food.

In three months' time, the club will celebrate the 20th anniversary of its maiden Uefa Cup success. In three months' time, it might just be extinct.

Last weekend's home game against Udinese was called off because cash-strapped Parma officials could not afford to pay for stewards.

The club's players have not been paid all season and there is not even hot water for a post-training shower.

"Time is running out," warned Parma captain Alessandro Lucarelli.

What has gone wrong?

Parma stadiumEPA

Stadio Ennio Tardini's main gate was locked on Sunday - when Parma should have been playing Udinese

Parma finished sixth in Serie A last season, under the guidance of former Italy midfielder Roberto Donadoni, to secure European qualification for the first time since 2007.

But they were prevented from competing in the Europa League for not meeting Uefa's club licensing criteria because of unpaid bills.

Ownership of the club has twice changed hands in the past two months, and current president Giampietro Manenti had claimed he was confident of sorting out the problems.

Then came Sunday's postponement, while players and staff continue to go without their salaries.

"It's an untenable situation, there's no credibility," said Parma mayor Federico Pizzarotti. "Either they pay the wages or they allow somebody else to take over."

How bad is the situation?

Roberto DonadoniGetty Images

Former Italy coach Roberto Donadoni took charge in 2012, leading them to four consecutive top-half finishes

Italian football journalist Mina Rzouki believes Parma are "very close" to going out of business.

The club's latest financial results show they have a gross debt of 197.4m euros (£145m) and the Italian authorities have set a bankruptcy hearing for 19 March.

"Right now everyone is pointing the finger at everyone," Rzouki told BBC's World Service. "But if we look at the root of the problem, how it started and how it developed, one cannot overlook former owner Tommaso Ghirardi.

"Ghirardi took over in 2007 when there was a gross debt of 16.1m euros (£11.8m). Seven years on, Parma have a gross debt figure of 197.4m euros. Take away outstanding credit, it has a net debt of 97m euros (£71.2m).

"Between the summer of 2013 and the summer of 2014, Parma took part in over 450 player transactions - purchases, loans, co-ownerships and sales. How can he not be the man to blame">