Italy's Sports Minister rejects multi-ownership rule changes

Italian Sports Minister Andrea Abodi has stated that he does not support any regulatory changes to the current rules regarding multi-ownership in professional football. Responding to an inquiry from Deputy Marco Lacarra, Abodi reaffirmed the importance of maintaining the status quo to protect sporting integrity, transparency, and competitive parity.

Under Article 16-bis of the FIGC Internal Organizational Norms (NOIF), there is an absolute ban on multiple control of professional clubs by the same individual or their close relatives. Current transitional regulations require existing multi-ownership structures to be resolved by the start of the 2028-2029 season. This deadline specifically impacts situations where entities like Filmauro hold interests in both Napoli and Bari.

Abodi also indicated a willingness to evaluate extending the oversight of the Independent Commission for the Verification of Economic and Financial Equilibrium of professional clubs to include ownership structures, aiming to ensure the autonomy and credibility of sports competitions.