{"id":118594,"date":"2025-11-10T08:37:02","date_gmt":"2025-11-10T08:37:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/guides\/?post_type=comparative_guide&#038;p=118594"},"modified":"2025-11-10T08:37:02","modified_gmt":"2025-11-10T08:37:02","slug":"italy-sports-law","status":"publish","type":"comparative_guide","link":"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/guides\/chapter\/italy-sports-law\/","title":{"rendered":"Italy: Sports Law"},"content":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"template":"","class_list":["post-118594","comparative_guide","type-comparative_guide","status-publish","hentry","guides-sports-law","jurisdictions-italy"],"acf":[],"appp":{"post_list":{"below_title":"<div class=\"guide-author-details\"><span class=\"guide-author\">LCA Studio Legale<\/span><span class=\"guide-author-logo\"><img src=\"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1\/2021\/06\/LCA70-600.png\"\/><\/span><\/div>"},"post_detail":{"above_title":"<div class=\"guide-author-details\"><span class=\"guide-author\">LCA Studio Legale<\/span><span class=\"guide-author-logo\"><img src=\"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1\/2021\/06\/LCA70-600.png\"\/><\/span><\/div>","below_title":"<span class=\"guide-intro\">This country specific Q&amp;A provides an overview of Sports Law laws and regulations applicable in Italy<\/span><div class=\"guide-content\"><div class=\"filter\">\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t<input type=\"text\" placeholder=\"Search questions and answers...\" class=\"filter-container__search-field\">\r\n\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t<ol class=\"custom-counter\">\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Do you have a specific sport tribunal in your country to decide sports-related domestic issues for one or more disciplines? Are there any other sports-specific alternative dispute resolutions in your country, i.e. mediation, conciliation, or sports ombuds instance? Are there cases that can or cannot be submitted to a specific sports tribunal or cannot be subject to arbitration (e.g. labor disputes)?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Italy has an internal sports justice system that deals with domestic sports-related matters. This system includes both judicial and alternative dispute resolution mechanisms and is founded on the principle of autonomy of sports, as set out in Article 1 of Law Decree No. 220\/2003. The Italian National Olympic Committee (CONI) ensures the overall coordination of this system, while each National Sports Federation operates its own autonomous justice bodies.<\/p>\n<p>The jurisdiction of state courts is limited to cases involving subjective rights or legitimate interests that are only merely connected to situations falling within the sports legal system (Article 2 of Law Decree No. 220\/2003).<\/p>\n<p>Sports and disciplinary disputes are left to the internal sports justice system, pursuant to the so-called justice bond. Accordingly, registered members of National Sports Federations may bring such matters before ordinary courts only as a last resort, after having exhausted all remedies available within the sports justice system.<\/p>\n<p>The Code of Sports Justice enacted by CONI provides for two different types of sports proceedings.<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>The first concerns decisions and matters arising from sporting events, such as the conduct of matches. These proceedings may result in suspensions, fines, validation of results, or other disciplinary actions related to the game (Article 14 CONI Code of Sports Justice). The first instance decision is rendered by the National Sports Judge and may be appealed before the Territorial Court of Appeal or, if the competition is one of national relevance, before the Sports Court of Appeal. The final instance is the CONI High Court for Sport<\/li>\n<li>The second type of proceedings concerns broader issues that go beyond the single match, such as disciplinary cases, sporting fraud or misconduct, breaches of federal regulations by players, clubs, or officials, and disputes concerning the interpretation or application of statutory or regulatory provisions. These proceedings generally begin with an investigation conducted by the Federal Prosecutor\u2019s Office and heard before the National Federal Tribunal. The decision may be appealed before the Federal Court of Appeal while the final instance court remains the CONI High Court for Sport.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>There are also other alternative dispute resolution mechanisms in place. For example, the CONI High Court for Sport can also act in arbitral capacity in cases involving sports agents (Article 22, Section 2, of the CONI Regulations on Sports Agents).<\/p>\n<p>Moreover, in professional sports the relevant collective bargaining agreements provide for ad hoc arbitration tribunals to handle disputes between players, coaches, sporting directors and clubs. In general, under Italian law, employment disputes may be referred to arbitration only when expressly provided for by law. This is the case for employment disputes between professional sports workers and clubs (Article 26, section 5, of Legislative Decree No. 36\/2021, which reiterates a principle originally introduced by Law No. 91\/1981).<\/p>\n<p>Furthermore, disputes concerning decisions on admission to or exclusion from competitions fall within the exclusive jurisdiction of the administrative courts (Article 3 of Law No. 280\/2003).<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">How is Sports law codified in your country? Is there a specific Statute or Code? Are there national sports authorities, independent agencies, or government ministries responsible for oversight?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>The Italian legal framework governing sport is multi-layered and consists of national laws, CONI Regulations, collective bargaining agreements and the bylaws and regulations of National Sports Federations.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Laws:<\/strong> Law No. 280\/2003 represented one of the first and most significant legislative measures in the field of sport, establishing the principle of autonomy of the sports legal system with respect to the ordinary legal system. In 2021, a set of legislative measures commonly referred to as the \u201cSports Reform\u201d, was adopted to overhaul the legal and organizational framework of the sports sector.<\/p>\n<p>Labor relations in sport were historically regulated by Law No.\u202f91\/1981 but have since been comprehensively reformed by Legislative Decree No.\u202f36\/2021. Similarly, the regulation of sports agents, initially introduced under the 2017 Budget Law (Art.\u202f1, paragraph 373), has been expanded and consolidated under Legislative Decree No.\u202f37\/2021. The legal framework for sports facilities is set out in Legislative Decree No.\u202f38\/2021, while Legislative Decree No.\u202f39\/2021 introduced administrative simplifications, including the establishment of the National Register for Amateur Sports Activities (RASD). Regarding winter sports, safety measures and rules specific to mountain sports are laid out in Legislative Decree No.\u202f40\/2021.<\/p>\n<p>Employment relationships in sports are also regulated by specific collective bargaining agreements entered into by the players, coaches or sporting directors\u2019 associations, the relevant league and the corresponding National Sports Federations.<\/p>\n<p>As for broadcasting rights, the so-called \u201cMelandri Law\u201d (Legislative Decree No. 9\/2008) introduced the principle of collective selling of broadcasting rights in Italian professional football, assigning to Lega Serie A the centralized management and distribution of audiovisual rights, with revenues shared among clubs according to predetermined criteria.<\/p>\n<p>On 8 August 2025, Law No.119\/2025, was enacted to address the regulatory and organizational needs of major upcoming events, including the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, the 2027 America\u2019s Cup in Naples, the 2026 Mediterranean Games, and the ATP Finals. This decree also introduces urgent measures against match-fixing and establishes a national scholarship fund for university athletes.<\/p>\n<p>From a tax perspective, Legislative Decree No. 36\/2021 provides for the tax regime applicable to sports workers and professional athletes.<\/p>\n<p><strong>CONI Regulatory Framework:<\/strong> At the top of the hierarchy of the Italian sports governing bodies there is CONI, a legal entity under public law which operates as a public, non-economic body and plays a central role in policy making and coordination (Legislative Decree No. 242\/1999).<\/p>\n<p>CONI adopts its own Bylaws, which define the main principles of sports activity in Italy, in line with the national legal system and international sports system and regulate its internal organization. CONI also adopts a Code of Sports Justice; a Code of Ethics and specific regulations for sports agents.<\/p>\n<p><strong>National Sports Federations Bylaws and Regulations:<\/strong> In Italy, National Sports Federations are non-profit associations with legal personality under private law. They are composed of sports clubs, associations, and, in some cases, individual members. National Sports Federations are responsible for organizing competitions, issuing regulations, licensing athletes and clubs, and ensuring compliance with both national legislation and internal rules. Each National Sports Federation adopts its own bylaw and issues its internal regulations and code of sports justice.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Military and police sports groups regulations:<\/strong> Many athletes in Italy are formally affiliated with military or police sports groups, such as the State Police, the Armed Force, and other military bodies. Specific internal regulations of the armed forces cover aspects such as training, employment status, and participation in competitions for athletes who are part of it.<\/p>\n<p>Moreover, within the Italian Department for Sport before the Presidency of the Council of Ministers a relevant Independent Commission has been established to oversee and ensure financial sustainability of professional sports clubs.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Advertising and marketing in sport: which are the limitations foreseen in your country, for instance in relation to alcohol, tobacco or betting advertising on or around sports infrastructure, on official clothing, etc.?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><h4>Advertising and marketing<\/h4>\n<p>In Italy advertising and marketing in sport are governed by a combination of national legislation and sport-specific regulations issued by National Sports Federations and leagues.<\/p>\n<h4>Alcohol and tobacco<\/h4>\n<p>There is no absolute ban on alcohol sponsorship in sport, but Law No. 125\/2001 and Legislative Decree No. 208\/2021 restrict alcohol advertising to protect minors, prohibiting it during certain hours and in youth-targeted media.<\/p>\n<p>Tobacco advertising is completely prohibited in any form under Directive 2003\/33\/EC.<\/p>\n<p>Each National Sports Federation imposes its own specific rules concerning marketing and sponsorship. For instance, the Italian Football Federation (FIGC), through its Infrastructure Criteria and Code of Sports Justice sets out what can be displayed in stadiums and on official kits, including limitations on advertising content that is deemed contrary to public order, morality, or sporting values.<\/p>\n<p>Internal regulations of military and police sports groups may also prohibit or limit personal sponsorship or the display of commercial logos on their uniforms.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Match-fixing: How is match-fixing and other forms of match manipulation combated in your country? Has your country ratified the Macolin Convention? What is the role of the sports betting industry in your country and is it subject to any specific state regulations?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><h4>Match-fixing:<\/h4>\n<p>Italy has ratified the Macolin Convention, and each National Sports Federation has its own disciplinary mechanisms to tackle match-fixing. From a criminal law perspective, match fixing is punishable under Law No. 401\/1989, which introduced the offence of \u201csports fraud\u201d.<\/p>\n<h4>Betting:<\/h4>\n<p>The gambling sector is overseen by the Agenzia delle Dogane e dei Monopoli, which authorizes and supervises licensed betting operators. These companies are required to cooperate with sports authorities, including reporting suspicious activity, as part of broader integrity efforts.<\/p>\n<p>Decree Law No. 87\/2018 restricts advertising by betting companies, imposing a blanket ban on all forms of advertising related to betting and gambling services. This includes direct sponsorship of sports clubs by betting companies, as well as advertising on stadium signage, television broadcasts, and digital platforms associated with sports events. The law applies uniformly across all sports and is enforced through administrative penalties.<\/p>\n<p>Moreover, several National Sports Federations, including the FIGC and the FIP, establish a general ban on betting on the sport concerned, together with a duty to report any violations of such ban that may come to one\u2019s knowledge.<\/p>\n<p>Moreover, Law No. 401\/1989 criminalizes the unlawful exercise of betting.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Is there an institution safeguarding the integrity across sports in your country, e.g. ethics and doping violations or abuse cases? Which rules does such an institution apply?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>The National Anti-Doping Organization (NADO Italia) is responsible for implementing the World Anti-Doping Code in Italy. NADO Italia manages doping control procedures, imposes sanctions on violations, and conducts educational initiatives across all sports disciplines to ensure compliance with international standards.<\/p>\n<p>Moreover, CONI plays a central role in promoting integrity, starting with the CONI Code of Ethics and the Code of Conduct for Sports Organizations, which establish fundamental principles of fairness, transparency, and respect within the sporting community. Each National Sports Federation adopts its own Code of Conduct or Code of Ethics.<\/p>\n<p>An Independent Commission is established at the Department for Sport with a mandate to supervise compliance with ethical standards and to oversee structural reforms, including those concerning governance and gender equality.<\/p>\n<p>Legislative Decree No. 39\/2021 imposed an obligation on National Sports Federations, associated sports disciplines, and sports promotion bodies to draft guidelines for the preparation of \u201cOrganizational and Control Models for Sporting Activities\u201d, based on Legislative Decree No. 231\/2001 (which introduced a specific model of liability for companies, associations, and other entities), as well as \u201cCodes of Conduct for the Protection of Minors and for the Prevention of Harassment, Gender-based Violence and all other forms of Discrimination.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">How is corruption in sport regulated in your country? Is corruption between private individuals subject to criminal or civil liability and are there any sport specific corruption regulations?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>From a state law perspective, the Italian Civil Code punishes corruption between private individuals (Article 2635 c.c.), a rule that also applies in sport when managers responsible for preparing the company\u2019s accounting documents perform acts contrary to their duties in exchange for money or other benefits.<\/p>\n<p>CONI and the National Sports Federations issue rules sanctioning \u201csporting offences,\u201d including match fixing, unlawful agreements, and any conduct aimed at altering the regular course of a competition. Such violations can lead to disciplinary sanctions such as suspensions, point deductions, exclusion from tournaments, or even permanent bans.<\/p>\n<p>Law No. 401\/1989 introduced the offence of \u201csports fraud\u201d into Italian criminal law, punishing anyone offering or promising advantages to influence the conduct or outcome of a sporting event.<\/p>\n<p>Both corruption between private individuals and sports fraud are also predicate offences under Legislative Decree No. 231\/2001, meaning that clubs and companies can be held criminally liable, in addition to individuals.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">How is fan behavior regulated by law (for example banning orders, criminal penalties for violence, specific laws addressing measures against violence at sporting events etc.)?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>At the national level, the primary legal tool is the prohibition to attend sporting events (DASPO),an administrative banning order introduced by Law No. 401\/1989, which prohibits individuals involved in violent or dangerous behavior from attending sporting events. Violations can also result in criminal penalties, including imprisonment.<\/p>\n<p>Beyond the DASPO, Italian criminal law provides specific sanctions for violence, racism, and public disorder at sporting events, particularly under laws targeting public safety.<\/p>\n<p>The CONI Code of Sports Justice and the National Sports Federations disciplinary codes impose additional sanctions on clubs for supporters\u2019 misconduct, holding them accountable for preventing violent or discriminatory behavior by their fans and for ensuring the proper conduct of competitions.<\/p>\n<p>Each National Sports Federation also enforces codes of conduct that promote fair play and respectful behavior from fans, athletes, and clubs.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What legal frameworks exist around the ownership and governance of professional sports clubs (e.g. foreign ownership restrictions, fan ownership models, licensing requirements)?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Ownership and governance of professional sports clubs are regulated by Legislative Decree No. 36\/2021 and by the internal regulations of National Sports Federations. In football there are no restrictions on foreign ownership, but professional clubs must adopt a specific legal form \u201c(Share companies \u2013 S.p.A. or limited liabilities company \u2013 S.r.l.)\u201dand comply with strict licensing and financial requirements, monitored by the FIGC Supervisory Commission on Professional Clubs.<\/p>\n<p>National Sports Federations impose restrictions on multi-club ownership in line with international standards. In Italian football, regulations prohibit any individual, entity, or close relative from holding control, shares, or management roles in more than one professional club or exercising overlapping governance functions. The FIGC Commission for the Acquisition of Corporate Shareholdings reviews acquisitions of 10% or more of a club\u2019s capital, ensuring that buyers meet the required standards of financial soundness and integrity.<\/p>\n<p>Fan ownership is legally possible but remains rare due to economic and structural difficulties.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Do you observe an increase in multi-sport ownership in your country, either across various sports or within one sport or sports discipline?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Italy has seen a noticeable increase in multi-sport and multi-club ownershipExamples include: Palermo FC, which ispart of the City Football Group, and AS Roma, owned by the Friedkin Group, current Everton FC owners. Even in the lower leagues, multi-club strategies are becoming more common. Some examples are represented by Siena FC and Brera FC, both participating to Serie D, Italian\u2019s football fourth division. However, FIGC prohibits any individual or entity from holding direct or indirect control in more than one professional club in Italy, (Article 7, FIGC Bylaws), aiming to preserve competition integrity.<\/p>\n<p>Outside football, similar models are beginning to appear, especially in sports like basketball and volleyball. For example, Napoli Basket shares the same owner as Brooklyn FC, a women\u2019s team competing in the USL Super League in the United States.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Are there any mandatory national provisions, apart from regulations of international sports governing bodies, which regulate athlete representation in your jurisdiction and are there specific limitations to the representation of athletes, such as e.g. provisions regarding dual representation, caps on agent commissions, regulations on the protection of minor athletes?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Italy is one of the few countries, alongside France, with national legislation specifically governing athlete representation.<\/p>\n<p>The primary legal source is Legislative Decree No. 37\/2021.This national framework establishes the profession of sports agent, requiring agents to be licensed by and registered in a dedicated national register. It also sets out educational, ethical, and procedural requirements for accessing and maintaining the license.<\/p>\n<p>Sport Agents are also subject to the CONI Sports Agents Regulation and the CONI Code of Professional Conduct as well as any additional rules issued by National Sports Federations. FIGC and the Italian Basketball Federation (FIP) have their comprehensive Agents\u2019 Regulations and disciplinary codes.<\/p>\n<p>To carry out sports agent activity in Italy, agents need to be licensed and register both before CONI and before the National Sports Federation register.<\/p>\n<p>Minor athletes benefit from special protection. For instance, no remuneration is due from the minor (Article 10, Section 3, of the Legislative Decree No. 37\/2021).<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Are there national statutory frameworks, apart from regulations of international sports governing bodies, or cases concerning the participation of transgender athletes in competitive sport in your country? How is the issue currently regulated and\/or debated?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>In Italy, there is currently no specific national law regulating the participation of transgender athletes in competitive sport. The issue is primarily governed by:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>general anti-discrimination laws, such as Article 3 of the Constitution and Legislative Decree No. 198\/2006, which prohibit discrimination based on gender identity;<\/li>\n<li>international Sports Federation rules (e.g., IOC, World Athletics), which are applied by Italian sports bodies;<\/li>\n<li>National Sports Federations-specific policies, as there is no unified framework across all sports.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>A notable case is Valentina Petrillo, the first openly transgender Paralympian from Italy, whose participation followed the eligibility rules of World Para Athletics. Her case has sparked public and institutional debate, especially around fairness and inclusion, because, despite the IOC referring to the principle of no presumed advantage, there are still no uniform and certain rules to manage the situation.<\/p>\n<p>While the topic is increasingly discussed, especially considering upcoming events like Milano-Cortina 2026, regulation remains fragmented and delegated to National Sports Federations.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What is the legal framework for e-sports in your jurisdiction? Is there a specific Statute or Code in your country or motions to implement such?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Italy does not yet have a specific statute dedicated to e-sports. The legal framework remains fragmented, and existing laws may apply depending on the tournament\u2019s structure and prize model.<\/p>\n<p>E-sports events may thus fall under:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>State-regulated gaming framework (Legislative Decree No. 496\/1948), when tournaments involve a monetary entry fee and the possibility of winning a prize of any kind. E-sports are not considered gambling under Italian law, as the outcome depends primarily on players\u2019 skill rather than chance. This regime still applies regardless of whether the game is skill- or chance-based, since both fall within the State\u2019s exclusive competence over regulated gaming activities; and<\/li>\n<li>Prize competition rules (Presidential Decree No. 430\/2001), which apply when prizes are offered without monetary stakes and for promotional purposes.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Several legislative proposals have aimed to introduce a dedicated framework, and CONI has shown an intention to bring certain sports simulation titles under national sports governance. However, no specific regulation has yet been enacted.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Which has been the leading sports law case of the past year in your country?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>One of the most relevant sports law cases in Italy has been the one involving Italian tennis player Jannik Sinner, who tested positive for the banned substance clostebol in March 2024. Although an Independent Tribunal initially found no fault or negligence on his part, WADA appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport. Subsequently, WADA reached a case resolution agreement with Sinner, accepting his explanation that the violation occurred without his knowledge due to negligence by his entourage, and he did not intend to cheat. As a result, on 14 February 2025 WADA withdrew its appeal, and Sinner accepted a three-month suspension.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What other sports law topic(s) would you highlight as being very current and relevant in your country?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Several topics are currently at the center of the sports law debate:<\/p>\n<p><strong>Implementation of the 2021 Sports Reform:<\/strong> One of the most relevant and challenging issues concerns the practical implementation of the Sports Law Reform introduced in 2021. The reform has deeply reshaped the boundaries of sports employment and amateur sports, extending protections to amateur athletes and sports organizations. For amateur clubs and associations traditionally organized with simple structures, compliance with the new obligations and requirements set by the Sports Reform represents a significant challenge.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Reform of Audiovisual Rights:<\/strong> A draft bill regarding the reform of audiovisual rights is currently under discussion to abolish the Melandri Law and allow exclusive assignment of broadcasting rights to a single operator for up to three years. Also, the revenue distribution system would be revised as At least 50% of revenues would be equally shared among the clubs, with additional portions linked to sporting results and to the development and use of Italian youth players.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Reform of Sports Justice:<\/strong> The independence of the Italian sports justice system is under scrutiny. A special Commission, recently established by CONI and the Ministry of Sport, is working on a draft reform to guarantee more transparency, impartiality, and procedural fairness, reducing the direct influence of National Sports Federations on disciplinary and adjudicative bodies.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Alignment of football agents\u2019 regulations with FIFA Agents Regulations:<\/strong> Unlike in many other jurisdictions, Italy maintains a multi-layered regulatory framework on football agents deriving from Legislative Decree No. 37\/2021, as well as CONI and FIGC regulations, which is not recognized at FIFA level. Likewise, FIFA License are not automatically recognized in Italy.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n<div class=\"word-count-hidden\" style=\"display:none;\">Estimated word count: <span class=\"word-count\">3599<\/span><\/div>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t<\/ol>\r\n\r\n<script type=\"text\/javascript\" src=\"\/wp-content\/themes\/twentyseventeen\/src\/jquery\/components\/filter-guides.js\" async><\/script><\/div>"}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/guides\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comparative_guide\/118594","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/guides\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comparative_guide"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/guides\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/comparative_guide"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/guides\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=118594"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}