Italy’s failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup has intensified political and public scrutiny of the country’s football system. It has also reignited debate over the ban on gambling advertising and sponsorship. Although the Azzurri’s absence from the tournament may reduce betting activity during the finals in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, the fallout is now strengthening calls to restore gambling-linked revenue streams for Italian sport.
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has ordered an inquiry into the governance and funding structure of Italian football. This has placed the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) under renewed pressure. FIGC President Gabriele Gravina resigned on 2 April following mounting criticism. This has triggered further departures, including former delegation head Gianluigi Buffon and head coach Gennaro Gattuso.
Funding Crisis Puts Italian Football Under Pressure
The political backlash has highlighted growing concerns that Italian football is suffering from a long-term funding gap. Policymakers and media commentators have increasingly pointed to financial instability as a structural issue. This is particularly true as Serie A clubs have struggled to compete at the highest level in Europe. Clubs such as Inter Milan, eliminated early in this year’s European competitions, have been cited as evidence of broader decline across the league.
With public frustration escalating, the conversation has shifted toward how Italy can rebuild competitiveness. This includes stronger financial support, improved infrastructure investment, and more sustainable funding models.
Gambling Sponsorship Ban Back in the Spotlight
Gravina had previously criticised the government’s lack of progress on reforms designed to improve football’s financial sustainability. Among these was the repeal of the 2018 Dignity Decree, which introduced Italy’s strict ban on gambling advertising. He argued that the restrictions failed to meaningfully reduce gambling harm. Also, they removed a major source of sponsorship revenue for clubs and left Italian football at a disadvantage compared to other European leagues.
Industry critics have estimated that the Dignity Decree has cost Italian football as much as €1 billion in lost sponsorship income. This has contributed to the current funding shortfall.
“Right to Bet” Proposal Targets Grassroots Investment
Among Gravina’s proposals was a so-called “right to bet” initiative, which would redirect a share of gambling revenues into football development projects. This would include stadium infrastructure, youth academies, and grassroots programmes. Supporters argue that such a mechanism could create a more stable financial pipeline for rebuilding the sport. In particular, this would help at the domestic level.
However, Gravina’s resignation has cast uncertainty over the future of the reform package. He was expected to present the package to the Chamber of Deputies’ Culture Committee.
Reform Progress Remains Slow
Italy’s Minister for Sport, Andrea Abodi, introduced proposals in a draft decree last July aimed at lifting the ban on gambling sponsorship in sport. However, legislative progress has been limited. Meanwhile, Italy’s new online gambling licences finally came into effect late last year. Long-delayed reforms to the land-based sector are expected to reach agreement later this year after years of debate.
Political Fallout Could Reshape Italy’s Gambling Policy
Italy’s World Cup elimination has triggered one of the most intense periods of scrutiny for the country’s football governance in recent years. As policymakers search for solutions to Italy’s funding crisis, the gambling advertising ban—once politically untouchable—may now face renewed momentum for reform. Particularly, there may be change if lawmakers view sponsorship revenue as essential to restoring the sport’s competitiveness.
