Referees: Serie A & B to get independent body from 2026/27 | OneFootball

The world of Italian refereeing is preparing for a historic transformation. Starting from the 2026/27 season, in fact, Serie A and Serie B referees will no longer be part of the Italian Referees Association (AIA), but will instead be managed by a new independent company, funded by the Leagues and the FIGC. This is a true revolution that mirrors the English model of the PGMOL, established in 2001 for the Premier League.

Referees, revolution in Serie A and B from 2026/27: an independent company is born following the English model

According to reports from Corriere dello Sport, the idea comes from Gianluca Rocchi, current head of CAN A, who is expected to take a leading role in the new structure. At the end of the season, Rocchi would in fact hand over his position to Daniele Orsato, who is ready to lead the CAN.

The project was discussed in a meeting between FIGC president Gabriele Gravina and representatives of the referees: Guida for the match officials, Mazzoleni for the VMOs (professional VAR officials), and Meli for the assistants. The goal is to ensure greater economic and organizational autonomy, reducing the tensions that in recent weeks had led referees to threaten a "white strike," for example by refusing to carry out the VAR announcement.

How the new refereeing company will work

The new body will be financially supported by Serie A, Serie B, and FIGC, who will pay for the service. In addition to managing appointments and training, the company will be tasked with developing new professional referees and integrating external figures, such as former players and former coaches, into strategic evaluations.

This is a model very similar to the one already in place in England, where Howard Webb leads the PGMOL, coordinating 162 referees and over 350 assistants, with 20 full-time professionals and 84 on contract.

The first concessions to Italian referees

While awaiting the reform, referees have already obtained some immediate financial guarantees:

Match fees paid separately from expense reimbursements.

Advance invoicing in the months of September, December, and March (previously set for November, March, and June).

TPR/TFA calculation based on seniority.

However, there are still some issues: local AIA sections have received only 87% of the planned budget, with a 13% cut that will no longer be covered.

A historic change for Italian football

The exit of Serie A and B referees from the AIA represents a true schism. On one hand, there is a desire to further professionalize the category; on the other, the impact on referees in the lower leagues, who will continue to depend on the traditional AIA, remains to be clarified.

Italy is thus moving towards a more modern system, closer to European standards. It remains to be seen whether this turning point will truly bring greater transparency, fairness, and calm to the relationship between referees, clubs, and fans.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇮🇹 here.