Cassano to learn Sampdoria fate on Monday

Controversial Italian forward Antonio Cassano will find out next Monday if his club Sampdoria will be able to unilaterally cancel his contract, a disciplinary panel announced on Friday.

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

“The conciliation meeting did not succeed. It will require a decision by the refereeing body,” explained sports judge Paolo Giuggioli.

“We’ve listened to the witnesses and the investigation will conclude on Monday at 1500 (1400GMT), when the verdict will be given.”

Cassano, an Italian international with 20 caps, has been frozen out by Sampdoria after publicly insulting club president Riccardo Garrone at the end of October.

The player, who has attracted controversy throughout his career for on-pitch tantrums and wild living off the pitch, has since apologised and asked for forgiveness.

If forced to leave Sampdoria, Cassano would have to find a new club and reports in the Italian media suggest Juventus and defending champions Inter Milan would both be interested in signing him.