The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) has announced its intention to appeal a €4 million fine imposed by the Italian Antitrust Authority for alleged abuse of dominant position in organizing youth tournaments.
In a statement, the FIGC declared the sanction “unjustified” and based on “documentarily verifiable arguments and erroneous legal reasoning.” The federation pointed out that a similar decision against the Italian Equestrian Sports Federation (FISE) was recently overturned by the Council of State.
The FIGC maintains that its actions were entirely correct and has initiated an appeal, including a request for suspension, to the Regional Administrative Court of Lazio (TAR).
The Antitrust Authority accused the FIGC of implementing an exclusionary strategy since July 1, 2015, to strengthen its dominant position in organizing competitive youth football events and extend it to the recreational-amateur market, where it competes with Sports Promotion Bodies (EPS).
The alleged abusive strategy involved:
1. Failing to sign conventions required by CONI’s EPS Regulations for conducting competitive activities, effectively monopolizing the market.
2. Misusing regulatory power by incorrectly classifying amateur activities for 12-17 year-olds as competitive.
3. Imposing restrictions on under-12 athletes, limiting the freedom of affiliated Amateur Sports Associations and dual-registered athletes to participate in EPS-organized tournaments.
These actions, according to the Authority, reduced the ability of Sports Promotion Bodies to compete effectively with the Federation in the recreational-amateur event organization market.
The FIGC’s appeal to the TAR underscores the ongoing dispute between the federation and the Antitrust Authority over the regulation and organization of youth football in Italy.
