Italian Referees' Chief Suspension Confirmed, Removed from Office - Elbotola
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Italian Referees' Chief Suspension Confirmed, Removed from Office

Italian Referees' Chief Suspension Confirmed, Removed from Office

G. E (Elbotola)
19 February 2026at15:45

The Federal Court of Appeal has confirmed its rejection of the appeal filed by Antonio Zappi, president of the Italian Referees' Association (AIA), upholding his initial 13-month suspension. This decision ratifies the penalty imposed by the National Federal Court on January 12.

The sanction stemmed from pressure exerted by Zappi on the technical body leaders of Serie C and Serie D, Maurizio Ciampi and Alessandro Pizzi. Reports indicated that this pressure was aimed at making way for Daniele Orsato and Stefano Braschi.

Given that the 13-month suspension exceeds the maximum permissible limit of 12 months, this automatically leads to Zappi's removal from his position as president of the Italian Referees' Association. This dismissal is mandated by Article 29, Paragraph 1 of the Italian Football Federation's regulations and Article 15 of the AIA's statutes.

The AIA National Committee is expected to propose Antonio Zappi's removal to the Federal Council for the necessary formal procedures to be taken.

Why was Antonio Zappi suspended from the Italian Referees' Association?

Antonio Zappi's suspension was confirmed due to pressure exerted on Serie C and Serie D technical body leaders, Maurizio Ciampi and Alessandro Pizzi, reportedly to favor specific officials.

What does Antonio Zappi's confirmed suspension imply for his role as AIA president?

The 13-month suspension, exceeding the 12-month limit, automatically triggers Antonio Zappi's removal from his position as president of the Italian Referees' Association, as mandated by specific federation regulations.

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