Serie A President Simonelli addressed issues including football taxation, data rights, stadiums, and piracy during a Senate hearing, while opposing an increase in the basic solidarity contribution ratio.

During a hearing before the Senate's 7th Commission (Culture), Serie A President Ezio Maria Simonelli addressed related topics, emphasizing the challenges facing Italian football and potential solutions. Simonelli stated: "We must be bold in examining football's financial records. In recent years, shareholders have injected approximately 5.3 billion euros into the system. The sport continues to operate largely supported by private investment, while committed costs continue to rise. I compare football to a capital-intensive industry with heavy debt but strategic importance: we have done our best, but the only way forward is to increase revenue, not continually increase costs. Everyone must take high-level responsibility. Football contributes 1% of Italy's GDP and 1.5 billion euros in taxes to the Italian state annually, which in turn benefits all Italian sports, including the Italian Olympic Committee and anti-doping bodies. Healthy Italian football serves the entire nation's interests, as its contribution will continue to grow—and it's already substantial. Some legislative proposals involve issues sensitive to Serie A, but they are presented in ways that are inconsistent with each other. Don't forget that Italy and Spain are the only countries where television broadcasting rights management is determined by law. Current regulations require Serie A to allocate 10% of its revenue for solidarity distribution: we have never questioned this. What is truly controversial is an increase in the solidarity distribution ratio. Certain legislative proposals redefine the scope to include digital rights and additional revenue streams: the ratio remains the same, but the solidarity distribution would increase. I first want to clarify what 'digital rights' actually means, but I must state clearly that we cannot accept an increase in the basic solidarity distribution ratio; we are willing to discuss different solidarity distribution structures. Losses under the current system are borne by shareholders, and we are fortunate to have some foreign shareholders currently: we can certainly continue discussions, and everyone acknowledges the need for solidarity distribution to lower leagues."

For months, Serie A has sought clarity regarding the ownership and usage rights of competition data. This issue could be resolved at no cost but has been neglected to date. Some progress has been made: regulations now clearly state that competition data ownership belongs to the event organizer, but those using our data without payment still indirectly dispute this. For those obtaining data not illegally but without payment, further clarification would improve the situation, and we could also consider providing greater financial support to lower leagues. Full ownership of competition data should belong to the event organizer, and the scope of use for licensees should be limited to the period and terms of the license.

Regarding youth player development, the situation is more complex: Serie A has independently introduced measures to encourage young Italian players to gain playing time. Since the 2023/2024 season, squad lists must include eligible young homegrown players. We have also excluded Italian players under 23 from the expanded squad cost index: this regulation will bring significant benefits once it matures. However, implementing mandatory playing time rules in Serie A is not particularly meaningful: the market is global, and many players now compete abroad. In such circumstances, tracking Serie A playing time is of limited value, as demonstrated by Mancini's call-up list. With many top players in the Premier League, it's difficult to address this topic at the Serie A level. Furthermore, minimum playing time requirements can only be consistent with European regulations if an agreement is reached; otherwise, such rules could be unconstitutional due to conflicts with EU law.

Regarding league reform: some legislative proposals even suggest reducing the number of professional clubs by law within a 12-month period. This represents the greatest controversy regarding sports autonomy and fails to account for the TV rights system: we have sold broadcasting rights according to the current format, with contracts extending until 2029. Any reform must allow time for implementation: we do not deny that the number of professional clubs needs to be reduced, but requiring the Italian Football Federation to advance league reform within a predetermined timeframe is unrealistic and would undermine a process that should be driven by the relevant institutions. National law cannot impose reforms that should be carried out autonomously by all parties; UEFA will not tolerate such intervention either: remember, we are also preparing for Euro 2032.

Regarding the relationship between football and betting, Serie A has repeatedly called for a complete lifting of the advertising ban under the "Dignity Decree." Other European countries adopt partial restriction models: France, Germany, and Spain all have time restrictions, while England and Portugal have similar measures. Our clubs are at a disadvantage at the European level: protecting consumers, including minors, is certainly important, but this disadvantage must be eliminated. Related to this is the issue of sports betting revenue distribution; Serie A's position is that a portion of profits should be returned to event organizers. The advertising ban also makes it harder to distinguish between legal and illegal betting.

Additionally, there is the issue of audio and video piracy. We expect sanctions to be truly enforced, not merely announced verbally. Relevant legislation is already comprehensive; now we must take the next step: actually enforce it. Using fine revenue for youth development is certainly possible, even though we are actually the victims, but enforcement must come first.

Regarding stadiums: professional clubs should be treated as national strategic infrastructure. In the last 20 years, Italy has built only 7 new stadiums, while Turkey has built 20. Stadiums are the primary way to increase revenue: the best current example is Inter Milan, which generates 70 to 80 million euros annually from its stadium. European rivals like Real Madrid generate 300 million euros annually from their stadium alone. This gap allows Spain to attract more star players, generating greater international revenue: if we want to grow, we must bring star players back to Italy.

We are requesting at least a limited recovery of the Growth Decree, applicable to one or two high-earning players per club, and only for those willing to accept tax compliance—meaning they accept monitoring by tax authorities similar to how large corporations are regulated. Some clubs are already prepared to accept this, but in return, there must be benefits to help us succeed again internationally.

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