The Italian Football Federation’s (FIGC) outgoing President, Gabriele Gravina, has put forth a proposal to place the Italian Referees’ Association (AIA) under external administration until a new president is elected. The AIA itself has acknowledged that it is navigating a “complex and delicate phase.”
This move comes in the wake of several significant scandals that have rocked the association. Notably, refereeing designator Gianluca Rocchi is currently under formal investigation for suspected sporting fraud, a case that is still in its early stages and has potential to expand.
Additionally, AIA President Antonio Zappi has been removed from his position. This decision follows a 13-month ban he received in January for allegedly pressuring individuals in Serie C and D to resign in December 2024. While Zappi has appealed this ban, which could be a lengthy process, the association opted to remove him from his role in the interim.
In light of these events, President Gravina’s proposal suggests the appointment of a special commissioner to oversee the AIA. This commissioner would be tasked with implementing reforms and restoring stability to the organization.
The official confirmation of this measure is contingent on the verdict of the CONI (Italian Olympic Committee) commission, which has oversight over all sports in Italy.
The AIA has issued a statement expressing gratitude for Zappi’s “dedication during his term.” The association confirmed its intention to proceed with the electoral process to select a new president. However, it also acknowledged the current “particularly complex and delicate phase” the organization is experiencing following recent incidents.
The AIA’s immediate priorities are stated as “ensuring management continuity, institutional balance, and protecting the general interest of the refereeing system.” The ultimate goal is to safeguard the work of referees, maintain technical facilities, and ensure the regularity of the upcoming season.
The statement concluded by emphasizing that the AIA is a “fundamental asset of Italian football” and requires “utmost commitment at this stage to ensure balance and full respect for the institutions.”
English Translation:
Gabriele Gravina, the outgoing President of the FIGC, has suggested that the AIA (Italian Referees’ Association) be placed under external management until a new President is chosen. The AIA has stated that this is a “complex and delicate phase.”
The association has been severely impacted by a series of scandals. Most notably, Gianluca Rocchi, a refereeing designator, is formally under investigation for potential sporting fraud, a case that is still in its preliminary stages and is expanding.
Today, it was announced that Antonio Zappi, the President of the AIA, has been removed from his office. This follows a 13-month ban he received in January for allegedly pressuring individuals in Serie C and D to resign in December 2024. Although Zappi has appealed the ban, which could take a considerable amount of time, the decision was made to remove him from his position.
President Gravina, as he prepares to leave his post, has proposed appointing a special commissioner to manage the AIA externally. This commissioner would be responsible for enacting reforms and bringing a sense of stability.
This proposal can only be officially enacted after a verdict from the CONI commission (Italian Olympic Committee), which oversees all sports within Italy.
Meanwhile, the AIA itself released a statement today, thanking Zappi for his “dedication during his tenure.”
The Referees’ Association confirmed its desire to begin the electoral process to find a new President. Concurrently, it acknowledged that it is “going through a particularly complex and delicate phase” due to recent events.
Their primary focus remains on “ensuring continuity of management, institutional balance, and safeguarding the overall interests of the refereeing system, with the objective of preserving the efforts of referees, technical resources, and the smooth running of the next season.”
“The AIA is a vital component of Italian football and, at this juncture, requires maximum commitment to guarantee balance and full adherence to institutional principles.”