Italy is moving forward with a proposal for a 2% tax on football betting revenues, with the intention of using these funds to implement reforms in the nation's football system. The initiative was introduced by Senator Paolo Marcheschi, a member of the Brothers of Italy party, as a response to the national team's failure to qualify for the 2016 FIFA World Cup.
The proposed tax would apply to betting activities related to various leagues and competitions overseen by the Italian Football Federation (FIGC). It is estimated that this taxation could generate around 230 million euros annually.
Marcheschi labeled the tax as an essential source of funding to tackle the systemic issues that Italian football organizations currently face. Under the plan, half of the tax revenue would be allocated to developing youth football through the creation of training centers and academies. The remaining funds would support a previously collapsed initiative for amateur football focused on responsible gambling and encouraging young people in Italy to engage in sports activities.
