Zebre put up for sale by Italian Rugby Federation

The Italian Rugby Federation (FIR) has expressed its intention to sell its 100 per cent stake in United Rugby Championship outfit Zebre.

The decision has come after a council meeting in Rome on Tuesday, with RugbyPass reporting earlier this week that the club stands on the brink of oblivion. 

Potential buyers have until January 15 to signal their interest in purchasing the franchise who currently sit second-from-bottom in the URC.

The sale will include requirements such as a stadium with at least 5,000 seats, a sufficient financial budget, and a commitment to align with the federation's goals for competitive and commercial growth.

A statement from the FIR reads (translated on Google): "The Federal Council of the FIR, meeting in Rome on Tuesday 17 December, announced its willingness to sell its share of the share capital – equal to 100 per cent – of the company Zebre Rugby Ltd, participant in the BKT United Rugby Championship and in the competitions organised by the European Professional Rugby Club.

"Expressions of interest from interested parties must reach the Italian Rugby Federation by 12 noon on 15 January 2025 , with the possibility for FIR to reserve the right to continue directly managing the franchise.

"Any transfer of the franchise may take place under terms and conditions suitable to allow the new ownership to manage participation in the events scheduled starting from the 2025/26 season, continuing to guarantee the presence of two Italian sports entities in international European club competitions.

"Among the mandatory requirements identified by the Federation for the presentation of expressions of interest are the express prohibition of transferring the activity outside the national territory, the availability of a stadium with a minimum capacity of five thousand seats, an annual economic and financial budget not less than the FIR contribution expected for the 2025/26 season and the commitment to share with the Federation the sporting choices consistent with the objectives of participation in URC and EPCR.

"FIR will retain full ownership of the participation rights, guaranteeing any new ownership – for the entire duration of its involvement in the URC and EPCR events and in any case for a period of no less than six sporting seasons – an economic contribution functional to the pursuit of the primary objective of participation in the BKT United Rugby Championship and the EPCR competitions, i.e. the constant increase in the sporting competitiveness and commercial attractiveness of its Franchises and, consequently, of the men's national team.

"United Rugby Championship welcomes the initiative of the Italian Rugby Federation (FIR) to incentivise greater investment in the Zebre Parma franchise and the ambition to increase the competitiveness of Italian teams within the championship.

"The URC will provide maximum support throughout this process to both Zebre Parma and other interested parties, ensuring that the high standards required by the FIR for the franchise are in line with the requirements of the championship. This development is seen as a positive step for both the championship and Italian rugby."