Norberto Bocchi, Giorgio Duboin and Agustin Madala ( Lavazza’s Team) have just sent this letter to the Italian Bridge Federation (FIGB): The Lavazza’s boys annnounced that they are not available to be selected to represent Italy any more.
Dear FIGB President, Dear FIGB Secretary, Directive Council
After Bali’s World Championships, the Italian open team is facing a strange situation. We do not wish to challenge the Federation’s choices, since it is not our business, but we would like to point out that the unsuccessful performance of the Open team has generated complaints which involve us. The inaccurate comments about our behaviour in these circumstances, published on the Federation’s magazine and website, are damaging our reputation. We are professional players, but we have always worn the national colours with deference and sense of duty, often against our private and financial targets.
In order to stop this situation, which can only damage both us and the federation, we would like to let you know that we are not available to be selected to represent Italy any more. We would like to highlight that this choice is due to personal reasons only. We may change our decision if in the future, after the controversies have stopped, the conditions will again be similar to those that allowed us to contribute to the successes obtained in the last 20 years.
We are sure that you will understand,
with kindest regards
Turin, October 6th, 2014
Norberto Bocchi
Giorgio Duboin
Agustin Madala
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Laura Camponeschi for NewInBridge and Neapolitan Club