“No” to the fragmentation of football and price caps: the fans’ petition reaches the Senate

More than 150,000 signatures. The petition from Italian football fans has reached the Senate. It will be referred to the Environment Committee at Palazzo Madama, which, if it deems it valid, may attach it to a bill on the same subject. The petition is addressed to all the bodies that govern Italian football: from the FIGC to the professional leagues of Serie A, B and C, right through to the National Amateur League.

The demands are specific. First and foremost, the prices. A ticket for Serie A should cost no more than 20 euros, 15 for Serie B, and 10 for Serie C. These figures are a far cry from the current reality: for many high-profile matches in Serie A, prices easily exceed 50–60 euros, with prices soaring well over 100 euros for the most sought-after sections.

Then there is the issue of kick-off times. The so-called ‘scattered fixtures’ – matches spread across seven slots throughout the weekend, from Friday evening to Monday evening – have been a source of frustration for fans for years. Introduced to maximise television rights, this system has made it increasingly difficult to support one’s team at the stadium, especially for those who work or live far from the city.

The petition also calls for stricter rules on club ownership. This refers to multiple ownership — a single entity controlling several clubs, even within the same division — a phenomenon that raises doubts about the integrity of competitions and which is already banned or severely restricted in other European leagues.

Finally, there is the ‘daspo’, the measure prohibiting access to sports venues. At present, it is issued by the police headquarters as an administrative measure, without the need for a criminal conviction. The petition calls for it to be reviewed by a judge before being enforced, in order to protect the rights of those affected.