Taranto Calcio has chosen a Bari-based owner to oversee the club's recovery. American Warren's departure: "I remain available."

Football will restart in Taranto with a new club from Puglia, or rather Bari, represented by brothers Sebastiano and Vito Ladisa (Finland Holding). The choice was made today by the municipal commission charged with evaluating the expressions of interest received in response to the public notice to identify a new sports club to participate in the 2025/2026 regional Excellence championship. Mayor Piero Bitetti, Financial Resources Director Stefano Lanza, and SUAP and Sport Director Simone Simeone were present.

The Taranto 2025 sports club (SSD), composed of members Sebastiano and Vito Ladisa, was chosen over the proposal of the Taranto Football Union (SSD), composed of members Davide Rubert Warren and Headway Football LLC. A statement stated, "The committee carefully evaluated the submitted documentation, particularly regarding the completeness of the administrative documentation and the financial soundness and sustainability of the sports projects in the medium to long term. Particular attention was paid to the sports project, including the management of the Iacovone Stadium as well as activities for the youth and women's sectors."

It adds that "from a technical, financial, and organizational perspective, both proposals were found to be valid and consistent with the required criteria. However, the Commission deemed it appropriate to focus its choice on the Apulian group Società Sportiva Taranto 2025 - SSD, which demonstrated a deeper understanding of the city's sports scene, proven experience in the sector, and presented a five-year business plan."

In light of these factors, the municipal administration—the statement concludes—has identified the club represented by brothers Sebastiano and Vito Ladisa as the most suitable and sustainable solution to ensure a credible relaunch of Taranto football, designating it as the best candidate to represent the city in the next 2025/2026 regional Eccellenza championship, following the bankruptcy of Taranto FC 1927, led by president Massimo Giove.

David Warren, the other American bidder, wanted to greet the city and the fans with a message of thanks and encouragement.

"We greatly appreciate the time and energy Taranto and your team have given us," Warren wrote, acknowledging the value of the local people and their dedication to the sports project. Despite not being chosen, Warren expressed admiration for the city's passion and wished the Ladisa Group every success for the club.

"We hope to collaborate in the future, providing capital and sporting leadership, if the opportunity arises," he added, promising to follow the progress of SS Taranto 2025 with interest.

A new chapter thus opens for the Ionian club, with the city ready to support the new management.