The three clubs had been accused of making fictitious accounting entries "far superior to the actual value" for the services of players.

It is thought they were attempting to fulfil economic obligations to enable their teams to be admitted to Serie A or Serie B.

The chairmen of the three clubs were also fined and handed bans ranging from one to four months, the federation confirmed.

They had been accused of violating article one of the sport's code of conduct, breaking rules of ethics and showing insincerity.