Rome  - Negotiations for the sale of Serie A side Bari to an US entrepreneur appeared to be ended Thursday after the investor failed to make an advance payment.

The Matarrese family, who controls the majority if the southern- Italy club, said they will not continue negotiating with JMJ Holdings as the real-estate business owned by Timothy Barton didn't make a 1- million euro (1.4 million dollars) payment that was due Wednesday.

The payment was part of a preliminary agreement signed in August. It and was to be followed by a completion of the sale worth about 25 million euros (36.5 million dollars).

The Matarrese company, also in real estate, said it will continue to support the club, which, however, remains on sale.

Bari rejoined the top flight at the start of this season after an eight-year absence. They notched seven points from six games, including two draws away to champions Inter Milan and, last weekend, at AC Milan.  dpa