Referees’ Association could require special commissioner after series of scandals | OneFootball

Outgoing FIGC President Gabriele Gravina has proposed that the AIA (Italian Referee Association) be placed under external administration until a new President is elected, while the AIA admits this is ‘a complex and delicate phase.’

The association has been rocked by a series of scandals, not least of which was refereeing designator Gianluca Rocchi being placed under formal investigation for potential sporting fraud, in a case that is still in the early stages and spreading.

MILAN, ITALY – DECEMBER 04: Gianluca Rocchi and Daniele Orsato receive the AIC Oscar del Calcio Awards on December 04, 2023 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Pier Marco Tacca/Getty Images )

Today it was announced that AIA President Antonio Zappi had been removed from office, after he was given a 13-month ban in January for pressuring Serie C and D figures to resign in December 2024.

Although Zappi has appealed, that could take a long time, so it was decided to remove him from the role.

Referees’ Association faces special commissioner

ZENICA, BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA – MARCH 31: (L-R) President of CONI Luciano Buonfiglio, President of FIGC Gabriele Gravina and UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin look on prior the FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifiers KO play-offs match between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Italy at Stadion Bilino Polje on March 31, 2026 in Zenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina. (Photo by Getty Images/Getty Images)

Now outgoing Federation President Gravina has proposed placing the AIA under external administration with a special commissioner, who can enact reforms and bring some stability.

It can only be made official following the verdict of the CONI commission (Italian Olympic Committee) which oversees all sport in Italy.

Meanwhile, the AIA itself released a statement today, thanking Zappi for his “dedication during his term.”

The Referees’ Association confirmed it wishes to enter the electoral process to find a new President, but at the same time is “going through a particularly complex and delicate phase” following recent events.

Their primary focus is on “ensuring management continuity, institutional balance and protecting the general interest of the refereeing system, with the aim of preserving the work of referees, technical facilities, and the regularity of the next season.

“The AIA represents a fundamental asset of Italian football and requires, at this stage, the utmost commitment to ensure balance and full respect for the institutions.”