Overview

• On June 20, the Italian Council of Ministers approved a decree classifying referees and other technical officials as public security agents for the purposes of assault penalties.
• The referee protection measure is one element of a broader sports regulation package aimed at boosting oversight and safety across Italian sports.
• Sport Minister Andrea Abodi said that under the new law, anyone who attacks a match official will receive the same punishment as for offenses against police officers.
• Italian Referees Association president Antonio Zappi praised the change as a crucial advancement for referee safety and said it will be supported by cultural and training initiatives and a new FIGC anti-violence observatory.
• The appointment of a stadium commissioner has been deferred for further review, with expert Fabio Sboarina serving as an adviser but not a confirmed nominee.