Women's Italian cup final called off over 'lesbians' row

The game between Brescia and Tavagnacco, due to be played on Saturday, has been cancelled in the wake of alleged comments made by amateur league president Felice Belloli

The women's Coppa Italia final has been called off as a result of the alleged controversial remarks made by Felice Belloli, the president of Italy's amateur football leagues.

Minutes from a meeting on March 5 show Bellici telling the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) that they should not increase funding to "this bunch of lesbians" in women's football.

Belloli strenuously denied making the comments last week, claiming that the minutes could easily have been doctored.


But the cup final between Brescia and Tavagnacco, due to be held next Saturday, has now been cancelled after a meeting between players and staff in Milan on Tuesday.

The Association of Italian Players (AIC) has confirmed the game will not go ahead as planned and has called for Belloli's resignation in a statement.

Verona and Italy midfielder Patrizia Panico was quoted as describing the remarks as "sexist, male chauvinist and ignorant" should they be deemed legitimate.