Italian clubs wait for arbitration verdict

MILAN, Oct 27 (Reuters) Juventus and three other clubs implicated in Italy's match-fixing scandal are hoping to have their punishments reduced when the final verdicts are made by an arbitration tribunal -- possibly later today.

The tribunal, hosted by the Italian Olympic Committee (CONI), is due to begin deliberations on appeals for reductions on Friday morning with local media saying a statement could be made after the close of the Milan stock market at 17.30 local.

A spokesman for CONI declined to comment on the expected timing of the announcement.

Juventus, who were stripped of their last two Serie A titles and were demoted to Serie B with a 17-point deduction, had initially said they would appeal to a civil court.

They later dropped that option, saying they would instead bring the case to the CONI arbitration court. Italian media have speculated that they may be rewarded for that decision with reduced penalty points.

Juventus were the only team of the five involved in the affair to be relegated from the top flight.

AC Milan began the Serie A season with an eight-point penalty, Fiorentina began on minus 19 points with Lazio on minus 11.

Reggina, the fifth top flight team embroiled in the scandal, were docked 15 points and their appeal will be heard next month.

Juventus, whose former general manager Luciano Moggi was at the centre of the scandal, have complained they have been punished much more severely than other clubs.

After seven games of the Serie B season Juventus have won six matches and drawn one, moving to plus two points.

REUTERS PM BST1347