TLDR Senator Paolo Marcheschi filed Bill No. 1902 to reform Italian football governance and funding. The bill adds a 2% levy on bets placed on domestic football leagues. The tax could raise about €230 million a year. Half of the money would go toward youth football programs. Lawmakers hope to pass the bill by January 2027.
Italy’s Senate received a new bill this week that could change how football is funded in the country. The plan centers on a 2% tax on football betting revenue.
Senator Paolo Marcheschi introduced the bill, called “Provisions reordering the football system.” He filed it as Bill No. 1902.
The proposal comes after Italy failed to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Lawmakers say the loss exposed problems in the sport’s structure.
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s party, Brothers of Italy, backs the bill. That support gives the measure momentum in parliament.
The bill covers more than taxes. It also touches on governance rules, media rights, and accountability standards for clubs.
The core piece is a 2% levy on bets placed on domestic football leagues. Those leagues fall under the Italian Football Federation.
Backers of the bill expect the tax to raise about €230 million each year. That money would flow into a fund managed by the football federation.
Where the Money Would Go
Half of the funds, close to €115 million, would go toward youth development. That includes academies, training centers, and public facilities.
Clubs that develop homegrown talent would also receive incentives under the plan. The goal is to build up young Italian players.
Women’s football and amateur academies would receive 20% of the funds. That works out to around €46 million a year.
The remaining 30%, about €69 million, would support social programs. These include efforts to prevent gambling