The Federal Council approves a rule that specifically promotes the use of young players. The president: “Restrictions or measures imposed on Italians are not possible, the only solution is to promote their use.”
The FIGC is moving from words to action. This morning, the Federal Council approved a rule, included in the National Licensing Manual, that specifically favors young Italians. President Gabriele Gravina explains: “This is based on the principle defined in the strategic plan approved in March 2024, which provides for the value of the Extended Labor Cost indicator to be reduced from the current 0.8 to 0.7 in the summer of 2026, a value that is used for the so-called ‘market freeze’ for Serie A clubs. To promote the policy of promoting young people, even with regard to international restrictions, we have allowed the costs and related amortization of Under-23 players eligible for the Italian national teams to be excluded from this numerator. For Serie B and Serie C, there is the possibility of applying the same consideration to Under-21 players.” This is a new development that could lead to a real revolution and transformation of Italian soccer, with clear advantages also for the national team.
Returning to young players, Gravina says: “Restrictions or measures that require the use of Italian players are not possible, as they conflict with international law. What can be done is to provide incentives, and there is already a proposal for a law or an amendment to the Melandri law. A cultural change is needed in youth academies.”
National team— Italy playoffs: “Postponing the 30th match day is not feasible, the calendar is jam-packed. Is the fate of the FIGC linked to that of the national team? There is no rule on this, we have a principle of democracy within our organization, and I received 98% of the votes. Then there are considerations to be made related to choices of responsibility and a personal nature, but it is too early to talk about them. I am optimistic; we will go to the World Cup. The FIFA regulations for qualifying are well known; there is no point in looking for anomalies. Of course, if there is a ranking, perhaps some teams might deserve some advantages.”
