The refereeing system in Serie A faces a potential overhaul as the Italian Referees Association (AIA) teeters on the edge of falling under FIGC control.

According to Tuttosport via FCInterNews, the AIA is moving closer to being placed under administration by the Italian FA.

If Antonio Zappi, AIA president, loses his appeal against a 13-month suspension, the FIGC could take control of the referees’ body.

At that point, FIGC president Gabriele Gravina could push forward a long-planned reform.

Indeed, top-tier referees would work as full-time professionals under a company set up specifically for this purpose.

FIGC President Gabriele Gravina Poised to Reform Serie A Refereeing System

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TORREON, MEXICO – FEBRUARY 19: Picture of the VAR system prior the 9th round match between Santos Laguna and Cruz Azul as part of the Torneo Clausura 2025 Liga MX at Corona Stadium on February 19, 2025 in Torreon, Mexico. (Photo by Manuel Guadarrama/Getty Images)

The new governing body would be partly owned by the FIGC, similar to the system in England.

Although Zappi opposes the plan, top referees support it.

For context, Serie A officials currently manage about one match per week and earn around €160,000 per year.

For most, this is their main source of income, while many of them remain in football after retiring.

Making referees full-time professionals should improve training and raise the overall standard of officiating.