Italian referees' chief Massini says appeal must be judged by proper bodies, defends AIA mandate

What happened

Francesco Massini, president of the Italian Referees' Association (AIA), has addressed the appeal concerning the association's elective assembly, saying the matter must be decided by the competent bodies rather than through public dispute. Corriere dello Sport reported his remarks.

Report details

Massini said democracy gives everyone the right to turn to the relevant authorities, and that this right must be respected along with the vote expressed by the Assembly and all members. He confirmed, together with the National Committee, the full determination to carry out the mandate received. He stressed that the designated bodies will examine the appeal and rule on it, and that no controversy or one-sided account can replace their decisions, expressing full confidence in the process followed and a commitment to face every assessment in the proper venues with transparency and respect for the rules.

Massini also argued that the AIA has precise responsibilities toward its members and cannot allow an open matter to become a premature conviction in the press or a reason for the association to be paralysed. He described dissent as part of democratic life, while saying preventive delegitimisation and permanent confrontation drain energy from the work referees expect. He said the priority is to protect referees, support their growth and give concrete answers to their needs.

According to the report, Massini called a meeting the previous evening with twenty representatives of section presidents, convened by the National Committee to inform them, very positive. He said it produced broad support for the current governance and a willingness to work together. He thanked the presidents for their availability and daily commitment to members, calling them an essential resource for the AIA who deserve to be heard and given concrete answers. He added that too much time has already been lost and that the association must now work firmly for the good of its young referees and the whole organisation.

Massini concluded that respect for democracy is shown both by accepting debate in the competent venues and by fully assuming responsibility for the mandate received. He said the National Committee will proceed on that principle, respecting the rules, serving referees and putting the good of the AIA ahead of any personal interest. The account is attributed to Corriere dello Sport and does not represent official confirmation of the appeal's outcome.