Gravina speaks out against “moody decisions” on Serie A match rescheduling
In a significant development for Italian football, FIGC President Gabriele Gravina has expressed strong criticism regarding the inconsistent approach to rescheduling Serie A matches. Speaking after the Federal Council meeting on April 30, 2025, Gravina called for a standardized protocol to address match postponements, describing current decision-making processes as “moody” and lacking consistency.
In Short
| Key points | What it means |
|---|---|
| Criticism of rescheduling procedures in Serie A expressed by FIGC President Gravina | Establish a standardized protocol to address match postponements instead of “moody” decision-making |
| Calendar congestion affecting clubs in multiple competitions | Teams competing in three tournaments simultaneously face significant scheduling challenges and potential performance costs |
| Ongoing debate about reducing Serie A to 18 teams | External factors like Club World Cup and Super Champions League may force reconsideration of Serie A format |
| New Observatory on Violence Against Referees established | Analyze incidents and develop countermeasures to protect match officials at all levels of Italian football |
| Modification of sanctions for youth players | Convert up to half of lengthy suspensions into socially useful activities, following Tonali and Fagioli precedent |
| Financial stability of FIGC demonstrated | Record €224 million production value with €2 million positive result for 2024 fiscal year |
Gravina pushes for systematic approach to match rescheduling
The issue of match rescheduling has become increasingly contentious in Serie A, with several high-profile games postponed this season due to various circumstances. Gravina emphasized the need for a more structured approach: “We discussed this today and established that a protocol will be prepared, in agreement with all components, which must be followed for all events that may occur.”
The FIGC president highlighted how emotional reactions often dictate decisions following tragic events, such as the recent passing of Lecce’s physiotherapist Fiorita. “When a dramatic case occurs, we become overwhelmed by moments of disorientation, and the reaction becomes rather moody. We must establish a protocol – we cannot continuously confront each other to decide whether to implement certain measures,” Gravina stated.
This systematic approach would provide clarity for clubs caught in scheduling dilemmas, particularly those competing in multiple tournaments. The rescheduling challenges have been especially evident in cases like the Bologna vs Milan match, which required complex negotiations to determine a suitable date and kickoff time.
Serie A’s current format, with 20 teams playing 38 matches each, coupled with European commitments, has stretched the calendar to its limits. Gravina acknowledged the strain this places on clubs competing in multiple tournaments: “With three competitions simultaneously, you must pay, or rather could pay, a very high price.”
Serie A format debate continues amid competitive season
While addressing match rescheduling concerns, Gravina also touched on the ongoing debate about potentially reducing Serie A to 18 teams. The FIGC president chose a diplomatic stance, stating: “I will no longer address this issue, as I’ve recognized the autonomy of Serie A.”
However, he suggested that external factors might eventually force reconsideration: “After the final phase of the Club World Cup and the splendid format of the Super Champions League, perhaps someone will be induced to reflect, not only in Italy but globally.”
Gravina spoke positively about the current Serie A season, describing it as “beautiful” and “splendid,” with Napoli currently leading the table. He praised Antonio Conte’s winning mentality and highlighted the impressive growth of provincial clubs like Bologna, Atalanta, and Como, which have significantly elevated the competitiveness of the league.
“It’s truly becoming a multifaceted championship,” Gravina noted. “It’s our responsibility to create the best conditions to keep pace with other international leagues, particularly regarding infrastructure.” He expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Meloni for her support of Italy’s Euro 2032 hosting bid, calling it “a message that gives Italian football great hope.”
New initiatives to protect referees and support player rehabilitation
The Federal Council meeting also approved several significant initiatives, including establishing an Observatory on Violence Against Referees. This new body, coordinated by Paolo Cortis with Carlo Pacifici as vice-coordinator, will analyze incidents and promote initiatives to counter violence against match officials.
The timing coincides with increased scrutiny on officiating standards in Serie A, with referee assignments like Colombo for the critical Bologna-Inter match in matchday 33 receiving particular attention from fans and analysts alike.
“This is an increasingly critical and unacceptable issue,” Gravina explained. “We’ve established this Observatory to study the phenomenon and adopt countermeasures.” This initiative represents a significant step toward protecting referees at all levels of Italian football.
Additionally, the Council approved modifications to Article 137 of the Sporting Justice Code, allowing for the partial conversion of sanctions imposed on youth players into “socially useful activities.” For suspensions exceeding eight games or four months, up to half the penalty can be converted – following the precedent set by cases involving Tonali and Fagioli in the betting scandal.
Speaking about the betting investigation that has implicated 11 Serie A players, Gravina defended rehabilitation opportunities: “These players have earned the Azzurri shirt through their courage in admitting their mistakes. I support rehabilitation activities – this isn’t the time for judgment but for understanding the fragility and weakness of these young men.”
Financial stability and governance improvements
The Federal Council also approved FIGC’s 2024 financial statement, revealing a positive result of €2 million and production value of €224 million – an increase of €12.5 million compared to 2023. Gravina proudly described this as “a historic record in terms of production value,” with sports activity costs at €146 million and operating costs at €50 million.
Important changes were approved regarding economic controls and governance standards. The three financial indicators – liquidity index, indebtedness, and expanded labor cost – will become admission requirements for all professional leagues except Serie A starting from the 2026/27 season, skipping the previously planned experimental phase.
For Serie C (Lega Pro), new regulations require majority stakeholders acquiring clubs to provide suitable guarantees covering not only previous debt but also debt that will accrue until the end of the current season. This measure aims to prevent financial instability following ownership changes.
The meeting opened with a tribute to Pope Francis, acknowledging his closeness to football and remembering his planned participation in the “Pelota de Trapo” Jubilee event scheduled for June 14-15 in St. Peter’s Square. Though the Pope’s personal involvement will no longer be possible, Gravina affirmed that Italian football would “treasure his messages, teachings, and testimonies.”
