In the Senate

Euro 2032 and the America’s Cup, but also swimming pool safety: the Sports Decree has become law – the measures

Unanimously approved by the Culture Committee of the Chamber of Deputies, the legislation on suction systems in public and private swimming pools open to the public — introduced following the accidents of recent months — stipulates that recirculation systems — such as bottom grilles, inlets and similar devices — must prevent ‘suction vortices with a suction-cup effect’ on bathers

by Lorenzo Pace

29 July 2026

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3' min read

Translated by AI

Versione italiana

Key points

No more magistrates in sports justice
TV rights: Serie C joins the revenue-sharing scheme
Swimming pools: closure of facilities that do not comply with regulations
Paper identity cards: validity extended until 2027
Target shooting: greater protection for historical sections
Major events: from Taranto to Euro 2032
Families and universities

3' min read

Translated by AI

Versione italiana

From sports officials to municipal swimming pools, from paper identity cards to construction sites in Taranto: the Sports Decree (Decree-Law 108/2026) has completed its passage through Parliament. The Senate gave its final approval by a show of hands, following the Chamber of Deputies’ initial approval last week.

No more magistrates in sports justice

One of the most significant changes – introduced during the parliamentary debate – concerns the disciplinary bodies of federations whose professional clubs are subject to scrutiny by the Independent Commission for the Verification of Economic and Financial Balance: from now on, judges — whether ordinary, administrative or accounting judges — will no longer be permitted to serve on these bodies.

The decree also addresses the governance of the Commission itself: until 31 December 2026, it will be able to offer permanent contracts to non-managerial staff on secondment, and the share of federal revenue allocated to it will be paid directly by Sport e Salute Spa to the federations, thereby simplifying the cash flow.

TV rights: Serie C joins the revenue-sharing scheme

It changes the allocation of 1 per cent of the audiovisual rights revenue, which the original text had earmarked for the Women’s Serie A, removing the reference to the FIGC regarding the regional federation centres. The Chamber of Deputies’ amendment then split the allocation (approximately €10 million) in half: 0.5 per cent to the Women’s Serie A, and 0.5 per cent to Serie C, earmarked for the development of boys’ and girls’ youth sectors, investment in infrastructure and the training of coaches. A further 10 per cent remains earmarked for youth sectors and the training of players eligible for youth national teams.

Swimming pools: closure of facilities that do not comply with regulations

Unanimously approved by the Culture Committee of the Chamber of Deputies, the legislation on suction systems in public and private swimming pools open to the public — introduced following the accidents of recent months — stipulates that recirculation systems — such as bottom grilles, inlets and similar equipment — must prevent ‘suction vortices with a suction-cup effect’ on bathers. From 1 August, facilities that do not comply with the regulations risk immediate closure until they are brought into line. A total of €4.725 million has been allocated for public swimming pools for 2026.

Paper identity cards: extension until 2027

Among the measures least directly linked to sport but with the greatest immediate impact on citizens is the extension of the validity of paper identity cards, introduced to address delays in the transition to the Cie in many local authorities. Documents that have not yet expired may continue to be used until 31 January 2027 for the exercise of fundamental rights, access to healthcare and social security benefits, dealings with the public administration, and banking and postal transactions. In urgent cases, mayors will also be able to issue a provisional document, valid for up to six months and non-renewable, which may also be used for travel abroad, until 31 December 2027.

Target shooting: greater protection for historic sections

The separation within the Italian Shooting Union between institutional functions — education, training and statutory certification — and sporting functions has been confirmed, as governed by the most extensive (and hotly debated) article of the decree. The long-established sections retain exclusive authority to issue certificates of competence in the handling of firearms and are granted a direct seat on the Union’s central governing bodies; those parts of the reform relating to the sporting framework remain subject to approval by CONI.

Major events: from Taranto to Euro 2032

An additional €15 million has been allocated for the 2026 Mediterranean Games in Taranto, scheduled to take place from 21 August to 3 September, of which €6.5 million is earmarked for related works to be completed by 31 December, failing which the funding will be withdrawn.

For Euro 2032, the special commissioner for stadiums will see his powers expanded — he will be able to call upon a judge on secondment or external advisers, as well as benefit from closer liaison with regional presidents — and this will now be accompanied by enhanced oversight of procurement by ANAC.

For the 2027 America’s Cup in Naples, the preferential tax regime has been confirmed and expanded, with free radio frequencies for the races, VAT refunds extended to foreign teams, and preferential fixed-term contracts – including social security relief – for organisational staff until the end of 2027.

Families and universities

The Family Grant Fund is to receive €2 million for 2027, earmarked to support sporting and recreational activities for children aged between 6 and 14 whose family ISEE is up to €15,000. The Sport Fund for University Students, which provides scholarships for outstanding sporting achievement, is being refinanced with €4 million for 2027.