Malagò braces for tough referee reform as AIA presidency looms

Italian Football Federation president Giovanni Malagò is preparing to confront the delicate referee reform dossier while the national team’s squad continues to take shape, and the AIA presidency election is scheduled for 10 October amid a weeks‑long leadership void in the refereeing world.

The move signals the federation’s intention to tackle long‑standing governance issues that have plagued Italian football administration. Addressing referee oversight has been a priority for the leadership.

The refereeing world has been without leadership for weeks following the definitive resignation of Antonio Zappi. An AIA election is set for 10 October to fill the vacancy.

Gabriele Gravina devoted a chapter of his post‑resignation work to the same reform, yet he was unable to resolve it, leaving a complex task for his successor. His incomplete proposal underscores the difficulty of reaching consensus.

According to Il Messaggero, the refereeing sector has been in a state of emergency for weeks without guidance after Zappi’s resignation, which followed the confirmation of a 13‑month ban. The prolonged void has amplified calls for swift action.

The AIA presidency will be decided on 10 October, with probable candidates including current vice‑president Francesco Massini and former referee Narciso Pisacreta. Michele Affinito is not expected to run, while Gianluca Rocchi may enter the race despite recent resignations from CAN A and B designations.

Malagò has left the overall structure unchanged, allowing the national committee—the same body that operated during the Zappi era—to appoint Daniele Orsato as head of CAN. He also assigned the newly created technical director role, introduced in July, to Domenico Messina.

These appointments shift the balance of power ahead of the imminent AIA elections and could influence the direction of future referee governance. The changes reflect a strategic positioning before the new president assumes office.

The future AIA president will need to restore credibility, possibly propose an electoral reform, and further separate technical functions from political influence. Autonomy, increased resources, professionalism and appropriate tools have been identified as priorities.