Tavecchio: '18-team Serie A'

By Football Italia staff

Carlo Tavecchio is open to discussing a new way of assigning referees, but the priority is reducing Serie A to 18 teams.

The FIGC President spoke to Radio Sportiva this evening and was very clear on the first reform he wants to enact.

“We need to take Serie A down to 18 teams and reform the other Leagues as a consequence. We can do it if we reform the CONI principles, because with the current rule requiring a 75 per cent majority it’s unlikely to go through.

“A 20-team Serie A creates difficult situations. We can’t have Nazionale get-togethers, it forms a clogging of the fixture list and a championship that is difficult to maintain with the current financial restrictions.”

Tavecchio was also asked about Lazio and Palermo calls for an ‘integral draw’ – randomly assigning referees to games regardless of experience level.

“Referees are criticised, but this is the hardest and most horrible job in the world. In my view the referees are always in good faith, then mistakes can happen.

“The FIGC must defend the AIA (referees’ association) that is I hope our bastion of honesty. All the rest is about the interests of the clubs and we respect them, but must be careful not to confuse rules with situations.

“The issue of the draw will be discussed in the opportune arenas. The FIGC will not intervene, merely act upon a vote, as with goal-line technology.

“That technology will begin next season, but we haven’t had a response from FIFA on other matters yet.”

Watch Serie A live in the UK on Premier Sports for just £9.99 per month including live LaLiga, Eredivisie, Scottish Cup Football and more. Visit: https://www.premiersports.com/subscribenow