Associazione Italiana Arbitri reinforces referee authority and VAR limits

The Associazione Italiana Arbitri (AIA) is implementing new technical directives for the current football season, emphasizing the authority of on-field officials and refining rule applications.

During a technical meeting in Lissone, referee designer Daniele Orsato and technical director Domenico Messina reaffirmed that the referee's decision on the pitch remains sovereign. The AIA's policy dictates that VAR technology should only be used to correct macroscopic and obvious errors, rather than for obsessive analysis of every action. This approach aligns with UEFA guidelines to maintain the human nature of the sport. Early season data shows a significant decrease in 'On-Field Reviews' and a reduction in penalty kicks compared to previous years.

Additionally, regional technical sessions are being held to provide uniform guidelines to Italy's approximately 33,000 referees. In Castelfranco Veneto, a session led by Alessandro Bianco focused on Rule 12 regarding handball. The training emphasized that physical conditioning is essential for referees to maintain the correct viewing angles necessary for accurate handball decisions and to remain prepared for rapid play developments.