From the governance of major events to suspicious betting, what changes with the Sport Decree

The decree-law 'Urgent provisions for the organisation and holding of major sporting events, as well as further urgent provisions on sport' was approved (definitively) by the Chamber of Deputies with 153 votes in favour, 85 against and six abstentions. Drafted in view of international sporting events, including the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, the America's Cup 2027, the ATP Finals 2026-2030 and the Euro 2032 Football Championship, the decree comprises 22 articles divided into three Chapters that address organisational, financial and regulatory aspects.

The text provides for measures to ensure organisational regularity and security during events such as Milan-Cortina 2026 and the America's Cup in Naples 2027. Approximately 30 million euros are allocated for security and public rescue services, as well as a contribution of 13 million to the Ministry of Defence for the logistical support of the Armed Forces. It also provides for the free use of radio frequencies by operators during the Games and the appointment of an Extraordinary Commissioner for the Paralympics. In view of Euro 2032, the figure of a new commissioner for the management of the stadiums is introduced, with coordination and control roles over the facilities involved. A territorial monitoring and promotion committee will be set up for the Atp Finals: if the Italian Tennis and Padel Federation (Fitp) renounces public funding in excess of 5 million, it will retain its organisational autonomy; otherwise, Sport e Salute Spa will become involved in the management of the event. The America's Cup governance committee will consist of six members: three appointed by the government, one by Sport e Salute Spa, one by the City of Naples and one by the international organisation. Requests for the inclusion of a representative from the Campania Region were rejected during the parliamentary scrutiny, prompting some criticism.

The decree includes a chapter dedicated to the fight against match-fixing and the protection of referees and match officials. Article 6 introduces stricter tools to prevent the manipulation of results and abnormal betting flows, encouraging cooperation between administrative authorities and the General Prosecutor's Office for Sport at the CONI. The use of artificial intelligence to monitor suspicious betting systems is also considered. Penalties for acts of violence against referees are increased and greater transparency in the management of disciplinary disputes is ensured.

The decree establishes an Italian Sports Fund, managed by the Istituto per il Credito Sportivo and aimed at supporting the organisation of qualifying international events for the image and development of the country. Funding of up to 25 million euro dedicated to the 2026 Mediterranean Games in Taranto is also envisaged, to be drawn from surpluses of the revenue earmarked for the national sports movement. Sport and Health Spa is authorised to make available human resources and instruments for the organisation of the events, with relationships regulated by annual service contracts.

The Decree Sport 2025 constitutes an organic regulatory framework, a point of reference for Italy in the upcoming major international events. At the centre are organisational safety, the governance of public contributions, measures for legality and transparency in the sports system, as well as dedicated economic support for infrastructure, events and judicial protection.