Soccer news: Italian football faces a deepening political crisis, per UEFA

UEFA have warned that any political interference in the Italian Football Federation could jeopardise Italy’s co-hosting rights for UEFA Euro 2032, and even risk Italian clubs being excluded from European competitions. 

With the FIGC presidential election approaching and the Gianluca Rocchi refereeing controversy deepening the crisis, Italian football finds itself at a critical crossroads, compounded further by long-standing issues such as outdated stadium infrastructure.

Here, Sports News Blitz writer and Italian football enthusiast Luca Salmasi examines the growing turmoil and the potentially far-reaching consequences for the FIGC, Serie A, and Italy's place on the European stage.

Risk of political involvement in FIGC elections

UEFA expects no political involvement in the FIGC presidential election, set to take place in June this year, as the latest refereeing scandal has hit the country.

This comes just weeks after Gabriele Gravina’s resignation and Italy’s failure to qualify for a third consecutive World Cup.

This prompted Minister for Sport Andrea Abodi to suggest the appointment of an external FIGC Commissioner.

However, such a scenario would concern UEFA, which has warned that any political intervention in the Italian Football Federation could put Italy at risk of losing the right to co-host Euro 2032 and potentially lead to Italian clubs being excluded from European competitions.

If the FIGC were to have an external commissioner from CONI, the Italian National Olympic Committee would effectively place the FA under administration — the very scenario UEFA wants to avoid.

Gianluca Rocchi scandal

Gianluca Rocchi, the head of referees for Serie A and Serie B, is at the centre of another scandal to rock Italian football.

Rocchi, who is accused of influencing VAR decisions and altering the selection of referees, has stepped away from his role while awaiting further developments.

Rocchi is under investigation for incidents across the 2024/25 season, one of which allegedly involved interference with VAR protocols during a Serie A match between Udinese and Parma. 

He is said to have banged on the window of the VAR booth and recommended that officials call for an on-field review of a penalty.

Additionally, Italian media report that Rocchi’s selection of referees is being examined amid suggestions that he changed an official for an Inter Milan match to one deemed more favourable to the Nerazzurri.

The FIGC did investigate a complaint against Rocchi over the VAR booth incident, but dismissed disciplinary proceedings in July. 

However, the issue has resurfaced following the launch of a new criminal investigation.

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Outdated stadiums

A major area of improvement alongside FIGC Presidency issues is the lack of modern and updated stadiums available in Italy that will provide them with the necessary infrastructure to hold a tournament to UEFA’s standards.

Currently, the Allianz Stadium, home of Juventus, is the only fit-for-purpose stadium in the entirety of the country.

Many stadiums were purposely built for Italia '90, the last tournament that the country held, but many, like the infamous red beams on San Siro, were merely cosmetic changes and haven’t been upgraded.

This is primarily because many clubs do not own their own stadium and they are controlled by the local municipal councils, so they have little impact on how and when updates in infrastructure can take place.

Italy must name its five stadiums for the tournament by October, and it only has one of its 11 shortlisted stadiums ready for the tournament.

Whilst there are plans for the redevelopment of San Siro in Milan, Napoli’s Maradona and with a new stadium for Lazio in Rome, the clock is still ticking as work has to begin on host venues by March 2027.

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