Overview

• Last season saw more than 600 reported attacks on referees in Italian leagues, prompting calls for tougher sanctions.
• The government decree extends police-level legal protection to referees, linesmen and other match officials.
• Under the new law, simple assaults on match officials carry 2 to 5 years in prison, while severe bodily harm can result in 8 to 16-year sentences.
• The amendment formally classifies sports officials as public security officers in Italy’s penal code.
• The Italian Football Federation will establish an anti-violence observatory to monitor incidents and support preventive measures.