Cassano to learn Sampdoria fate in a few days

Controversial Italian forward Antonio Cassano will have his Sampdoria future decided in a couple of days, according to the president of the arbitration board charged with ruling on his contract.

Sampdoria have applied to have his contract terminated for gross misconduct while Cassano himself maintains that he wants to stay at the club.

He is said to have severely insulted club president Riccardo Garrone during an argument in October and has been frozen out by the club ever since.

“Today we must hear what the different parties have to say and then we will retire to decide but we have another case at 16.00 so it would be difficult to come to a decision today,” board president Paolo Giuggioli said earlier on Monday.

“It’s more likely that a decision will be taken in a couple of days but certainly no later than December 16 (Thursday).”

Three members of the league’s arbitration board met last week to study the possibility of reconciliation between Cassano and his employers, but no agreement could be found.

Since the spat, Cassano, 28, has apologised and asked for forgiveness.

But he has attracted controversy throughout his career for on-pitch tantrums and disputes off it with coaches, presidents and team-mates.

If forced to leave Sampdoria, Cassano would have to find a new club in January although Juventus on Monday ruled themselves out of the running.