Italy has introduced sweeping legal reforms aimed at protecting sports referees—especially football referees—from increasing attacks and abuse. Under a government decree approved on June 21, 2025, Italians who physically assault or threaten match officials will now face penalties akin to those for attacks on police or other public officials.
What the New Law Entails
- Elevated legal status: Referees across all sports are now classified as public officials under Italian law.
- Tougher penalties: Offenders may receive imprisonment and stricter punishments for actions such as pushing, hitting, or threatening match officials.
- Swift judicial response: As stated by Junior Justice Minister Andrea Ostellari, incidents “will now be punished without delay, even with prison”.
Why the Change Was Necessary
The reform addresses a surge of violent incidents against referees in recent years: italy
- In December 2024, Serie A officials painted black smudges on their cheeks during matches to protest against rising abuse.
- Referee associations publicly obscured their websites in protest after attacks in Sicily and Campania, prompting widespread alarm.
- Notable assaults include the case of 19-year-old Diego Alfonzetti, who was attacked during a youth match in Sicily. He later received a public salute in support at a Serie A fixture in Rome earlier this year.
Institutional Response & Support
- FIGC Actions: The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) previously established a specialized Observatory on Violence Against Referees in April 2025. This body—led by Paolo Cortis and Carlo Pacifici—is tasked with monitoring incidents and proposing proactive measures.
- Minimum Bans: FIGC’s internal disciplinary code now mandates at least a one‑year ban for violent assaults that didn’t require medical attention, and two years if injuries are involved. Crucially, coaches and directors are explicitly included—filling a previous loophole.
A Wider Cultural Shift
These legal changes come amid broader global concerns. FIFA Referees Committee chair Pierluigi Collina in May urged national associations to adopt zero-tolerance policies for violence, asserting that the current trend was “unsustainable”. Italy’s reforms position it at the forefront of this cultural shift.
The Stakes for Italian Football
- Deterrence: With football fans known for their fervor—and at times volatility—these reforms aim to make refereeing safer at all levels, from youth leagues to Serie A.
- Enhanced professionalism: Treating referees as public officials emphasizes their core role in maintaining fair play and impartiality.
- Institutional maturity: The combination of stronger legal backing and FIGC-led initiatives—including the new observatory and minimum bans—demonstrates a system-wide commitment to change.
Ongoing Challenges
Despite the stronger framework, Italy still faces enforcement hurdles:
- Attacks and threats continue in regional leagues and youth matches .
- Effective implementation will require uniform application of penalties and stronger collaboration between sports federations and law enforcement.
A National Warning: Zero Tolerance from Now On
As declared by Sports Minister Andrea Abodi, “We need to equate referees to public officials,” ensuring they receive appropriate respect and protection—even at the most grassroots level. Italy’s decisive measures send a clear message: violence against referees will no longer be tolerated.
What to Watch For
Keep an eye on:
- First convictions under the new law and their sentences
- FIGC’s Observatory reports detailing trends and incident statistics
- Whether other nations follow Italy’s lead and reform legal protections for match officials
