The saga between Texas-based entrepreneur Tim Barton and Serie A club Bari is not over yet. Although the current owners of the club, the Matarrese family, rejected Barton's delay in the takeover process, Barton says he is still interested in buying Bari after this season.
"Due to time limitations for completing the due diligence, we were not able to continue negotiations for the purchase of A.S. Bari," Barton said in a statement Friday. "We respect the Matarrese family's desire to be focused on the team and do not want to cause any confusion or distractions. However, I am hopeful we can revisit negotiations when the season is over. Bari remains in my heart and I ask the fans to continue their support of the team."
Matarrese claimed he received a note from Barton on Wednesday seeking a 60-day delay in completing the payments he once promised. When the initial payment didn't come, the Matarrese family canceled the deal, saying that prolonging the negotiations could affect the team's performance. Bari, back in the top division of Italian soccer for the first time in eight years, has seven points through six games. It has already earned ties with both Inter Milan and AC Milan.