The Italian Football Federation (Figc) is set to implement changes in the sport to make it more appealing and modern. On August 21, the federation submitted several requests to the International Football Association Board (IFAB) to trial innovative technologies that could transform how matches are viewed. Figc President Gabriele Gravina stated, “The goal is to have a clearer game and a spectacle that is more accessible, especially for young fans. However, it is not guaranteed that all our requests will be accepted, but we must try.”
What specific innovations are being proposed? Three major ideas stand out, which have never been tried in any football context. The first suggests enhancing the VAR (Video Assistant Referee) protocol by allowing coaches or captains to “challenge” certain decisions made on the field, requesting an on-field review by the referee. Gravina mentioned that this would increase the precision, clarity, and transparency of video review during particularly controversial episodes.
The second proposal is to test the concept of effective playing time, which aims to ensure that every match has the same “real” duration. This change is motivated by the difficulty in guaranteeing consistent match length, which may not solely rely on the referee’s discretionary stoppage time. The initial testing would begin in youth leagues and potentially progress to amateur competitions and Serie C.
The third proposal discusses establishing a communication system that would allow coaches and captains to communicate directly during matches, maintaining player safety standards. Gravina noted that many coaches struggle to convey instructions during games due to stadium acoustics and environmental conditions.
Additionally, there are three other requests that the IFAB has already trialed in lower leagues. One involves having referees microphone themselves to explain their VAR decisions to fans in the stadium and those watching at home. This “VAR decision communications” trial could begin immediately in Serie A and possibly Serie B.
Another proposed rule would penalize goalkeepers for holding the ball too long, causing a throw-in to the opposing team from the penalty spot area. This trial could also be introduced quickly in Serie C. Lastly, the federation seeks to introduce a Football Video Support (VS) system in Serie C, the women’s Serie A, and potentially amateur leagues, contingent on the successful completion of FIFA’s ongoing trials.
Gravina also addressed the hot topic of an open transfer market, highlighting the challenges it presents. He expressed strong opposition to ongoing transfer activities during the season, as it distorts fan identification and creates unrest among players and clubs. He emphasized that this concern extends beyond Italy and that a collective agreement within UEFA is necessary. He plans to discuss this matter further in upcoming meetings with his colleagues.