Referees across Italy will now receive the same legal protections as police officers and public officials, in a landmark move announced by Sports Minister Andrea Abodi. The change, approved as part of a new government decree on Friday, aims to address the alarming increase in assaults and abuse towards match officials in Italian sport, particularly football.
Under the revised penal code, any act of violence against referees — including physical assault, pushing, or threats — will now carry significantly tougher penalties, including potential imprisonment. The legislation extends beyond professional football to cover all sports and levels, ensuring that all officials responsible for maintaining fairness in competition are legally safeguarded.
“This law is a message to everyone: violence will no longer be tolerated,” said Senator Andrea Ostellari, a junior justice minister. “Sport is loyalty and sharing. Those who do not accept it are warned: from tomorrow, violent behaviour and aggression against referees will be punished without delay, even with prison.”
The change follows months of dialogue between the Italian government and the Italian Soccer Referees Association (AIA). Concerns over referee safety have intensified in recent years, with officials regularly reporting verbal and physical abuse, particularly in lower-tier and youth fixtures.
In December, Serie A referees made headlines by wearing black smudges on their faces during matches in a show of protest against rising abuse. One of the most shocking incidents occurred when 19-year-old referee Diego Alfonzetti was physically attacked while officiating a youth match in Sicily. The young official was later honoured with a symbolic appearance alongside match officials before April’s Lazio-Roma derby as a gesture of solidarity.
The Italian government hopes the new law will serve as both a deterrent and a signal of support for referees at all levels. With the new protections in place, authorities aim to restore respect for officials and reinforce the principle that sport must be played in the spirit of fairness and mutual respect.