Italian soccer and Serie A are teetering on the brink of a crisis that could see them excluded from FIFA and UEFA competitions following the approval of a controversial amendment. Despite warnings from the highest levels of international soccer, the Italian government passed the amendment with significant changes. However, the threat remains as the amendment is a potential breach of FIFA and UEFA rules on government interference in the sport.
Giorgio Mulé, a politician with Forza Italia, was the inspiration for the ‘Mulé’ amendment. It sought to give the Lega Serie A more independence from the Italian Football Federation (FIGC). The Premier League’s formation—in which it separated from the English Football Association in pursuit of autonomy and financial stability—served as an inspiration. Clubs can now appeal to the TAR tribunal directly rather than via the sporting justice system. This move gives the government undue influence over soccer.
FIFA and UEFA immediately flagged the amendment as a violation of their rules, which ensure that sporting federations operate independently of political interference. In a joint letter to the FIGC and Italian Minister for Sport Andrea Abodi, FIFA and UEFA warned that the original text of the amendment would result in the exclusion of Italian teams from European competitions. It could also lead to the revocation of Italy’s hosting rights for Euro 2032, which it holds jointly with Turkey.
Despite the clear warnings, the Italian government passed the amendment, albeit with significant revisions. The most contentious parts, such as the ability for clubs to bypass the sporting justice system, were removed. The revised amendment still aims to increase Lega Serie A’s representation within the FIGC. Yet, the language has been watered down. The updated version will now be sent to FIFA and UEFA for further evaluation.
Giorgio Mulé, the architect of the amendment, hailed its passage as a victory for Italian football. He argued that it modernizes the sport by recognizing the significant economic contributions of Serie A to the overall soccer system in Italy. Minister for Sport Andrea Abodi expressed hope that the revised amendment would facilitate a more balanced and collaborative approach to addressing longstanding issues within Italian soccer.
Lega Serie A President Lorenzo Casini also viewed the amendment’s passage as a positive step. He emphasized that it provides greater representation for Serie A within the FIGC, which has been a long-standing demand. Casini likened the situation to the Boston Tea Party, coining the phrase “no taxation without representation” to highlight the league’s quest for a fairer say in the governance of Italian soccer.
The next steps are crucial. FIFA and UEFA will scrutinize the revised amendment to determine if it still constitutes a breach of their regulations. If they find it acceptable, Italian football can breathe a sigh of relief. However, if they deem it a violation, the consequences could be severe. They could include hefty fines, exclusion from international tournaments, and the loss of Euro 2032 hosting rights.
This episode underscores the delicate balance between national governance and international regulations in sports administration. The Italian government seeks to modernize and grant more autonomy to its most lucrative league. However, it must do so within the confines of established international rules. When it comes to Italy’s soccer future, the results of the evaluations by FIFA and UEFA will be crucial.
PHOTOS: IMAGO
