AIA President Marcello Nicchi hits out at FIGC counterpart Carlo Tavecchio for his decision to favour the clubs over the referees.
The President of the Referees’ Association was furious over the recent requests for an integral draw of referees, which he categorically dismissed, and particularly angry with Italian Football Federation chieft Tavecchio, who seemed open to the suggestion.
AIA President Marcello Nicchi hits out at FIGC counterpart Carlo Tavecchio for his decision to favour the clubs over the referees.
The President of the Referees’ Association was furious over the recent requests for an integral draw of referees, which he categorically dismissed, and particularly angry with Italian Football Federation chieft Tavecchio, who seemed open to the suggestion.
In an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport, Nicchi sounded sarcastic about the way the whole controversy was handled.
“I'm surprised that the Federcalcio would back this whole enterprise,” he said. “Or should I correct myself? There's nothing surprising about it…
“The things that are happening are under everyone's eyes, and they are of exceptional gravity.
“I believe that [Lazio President Claudio] Lotito attacked verbally Stefano Farina, who is responsible for designating referees in Serie B, and in front of several witnesses.
“Do you know of any disciplinary action against him? I don't. We're still waiting for a response.
“And what exactly is the meaning of sentences like ‘refs hate me’?” he said, in reference to Lotito's outburst two days ago.
“We don't hate anyone. If anything, others may resent us.”
The AIA representatives voted for Demetrio Albertini at the last FIGC elections, which saw Tavecchio emerging victorious, and Nicchi reminisced on that election.
“The AIA delegates made a clear choice. We wanted to send a message, choosing the name that in our opinion best represented Italian football.
“If we'd wanted to just side with the winner, we could have done that.
“But since we are autonomous and proud of our choices, our vote went to Albertini.
“Our concerns, expressed just before the elections, are proving to be correct.
“I'd like to ask whether the image of Italian football has been strengthened or weakened in the last few months?
“And does anyone really think that an integral draw of the referees can change that?
“The FIGC should be more concerned about the money taken away from the referees.
“If our funds keep getting cut the way they are, we won't be able to send referees for the matches. All of Italian football will stop, from Serie A to the third category.”