On Wednesday morning, one day after the deadline for Italia's entrance into the league had passed, Italia G.M. Joe Mallozzi informed Canada Kicks that former Toronto Blizzard executive Domenic Matera, co-owner of Seven View Chrysler in Woodbridge, is stepping forward to take over the club from current owner Pasquale Fioccola.  While exact details have yet to be finalized, it appears that good friends Matera and Fioccola have come to agreeable financial terms and that the transfer of power will be completed within the week.

This change of ownership will essentially clear the path for Italia to join the CPSL for the 1998 season if the other eight club owners approve as appears likely.  League Commissioner Bill Spiers stated, "(the owners) would like Toronto Italia (in the league) because of their name.  They think Toronto Italia would be a good draw in terms of getting spectators into their own home games."

North York Astros owner Bruno Arullo expressed his concern over the long delay in getting the league and schedule finalized for 1998.  "What worries me is we are running out of time here.  We are a month behind schedule.  To tell you the truth, if it takes until the middle of April (to settle things), I might wait until next year."

So the league is now in the quandary of trying to land Italia but at the possible expense of losing the North York Astros if the issue can't be settled within the week.  The delay also puts the league and its members behind the proverbial 8-ball as they try and schedule matches, garner sponsorships, and publicize their activities with less than two months remaining before the opening kick-off.

Clubs that have confirmed their membership in the CPSL (Ontario Division) are:

If Toronto Woodbridge Italia is successful in joining the CPSL, it will play out of Rainbow Creek, Woodbridge.

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