Napoli President Aurelio De Laurentiis believes football is alienating younger generations and has put forth striking proposals for reform. These include shortening match durations, abolishing yellow and red cards, and introducing penalties for feigning injuries.
In a detailed interview with The Athletic’s Adam Crafton, the Partenopei chief outlined his vision for rule changes aimed at attracting a more youthful viewership.
De Laurentiis: Football Risks Losing the Younger Generation
“Football is losing the younger generation. The games are simply too long,” De Laurentiis stated to The Athletic. He expressed concern that children today, engrossed in video games like FIFA, will not remain engaged with current match lengths. “Imagine the stupidity! You think my grandchild of six years old, who knows everything (about football) because he plays with the PlayStation – he will escape – and you think you will recoup him after 15 minutes? Never! Because he goes in his room. He starts to play FIFA.”
De Laurentiis, who has previously called for a reduction in Serie A teams, argued for shorter match halves and a condensed half-time interval. “Number one: I will reduce from 45 minutes each (half) to 25 minutes,” he proposed.
He also voiced his disapproval of players exaggerating injuries: “But also you cannot stay down on the field and play around like an actor! AGHHHH. NO — you will go OUT!”
Regarding disciplinary actions, De Laurentiis suggested a complete overhaul of the card system. “What I will do also: I will never use a red card and a yellow card. I would say ‘YOU — get out for five minutes (for a yellow card)!’ And ‘YOU — get out for 20 minutes for a red card!’”
Drawing parallels with basketball and American sports in general, De Laurentiis feels football can learn valuable lessons. “Another thing, too few goals! So it is not spectacular. You must make more goals. And to make more goals, you must change the rules. You cannot (cancel) a goal just for a few millimetres. The offside must be changed, a lot.”