The President of the Italian Soccer Federation (FIGC), Gabriele Gravina, expressed on Tuesday the dissatisfaction of the international governing bodies for football, FIFA and UEFA, over the decision of Premier Giorgia Meloni’s government to establish an independent commission responsible for supervising the financial and economic affairs of professional football and basketball clubs in Italy.
Both the FIGC and the Italian Olympic Committee (CONI), the regulating body for sports in Italy, have voiced their opposition to the move, citing concerns about the potential repercussions from international sporting bodies due to perceived political intervention in the realm of sports.
During a hearing held by the Lower House’s culture committee, Gravina disclosed that UEFA and FIFA have delivered a strongly-worded email, urging them to exert pressure on the government to retract the measure, which they view as an infringement on the autonomy of sports.
The announcement has sparked widespread unease, with stakeholders urging the government to reconsider the decision in order to avoid adverse outcomes for the sports community in Italy.
In conclusion, it is crucial for governing bodies, the government, and other stakeholders to engage in constructive dialogue to ensure that the best interests of Italian football and basketball are safeguarded, while also upholding the autonomy of sports.