Alfredo Trentalange, candidate for the presidency of the Italian Referees Association, gave an interview to the microphones of ‘Tele Club Italia’ to present his electoral programme: “I have already been president for 20 months implementing an innovative program which was interrupted when a series of innovations had already been made such as that of double membership which allows footballers to be referees and referees to be able to continue their careers as footballers, bringing in The Hague players who knew how to navigate the dynamics of football and the intricacies of the regulations. We tried to introduce more transparency, with observers and structures, for example by making the votes transparent with direct communication of the referee rankings communication by asking referees who could represent us both in the federal bodies and in the media such as TV and the media. We decided to give great value to the problems especially in the youth sector because there are definitely many critical issues at a local level.”
Do you already have the name of the new designer in mind and what do you mean by autonomy for the AIA?
“When we talk about autonomy, we would like to ensure that the AIA has managerial and technical autonomy, thinking that it is right to divide the two areas. A technical sports director will therefore be appointed who we have identified as a former Serie A referee, an international who We have not yet appointed him and he should independently manage the referees, ensuring that the best men are placed in the best positions.”
Would you like to monetize the dialogues and images of referees who use VAR, in what way and with which platforms?
“During the match the image of the referee can cover 27% of the show, when the referee goes to the VAR he is framed and all this creates great interaction. The display of a referee can be commercialized and can attract commercial elements, but it’s not just an economic fact: autonomy is needed precisely to grow the movement, we have no interest in separating ourselves from organizations like UEFA and FIFA or from the FIGC itself. It would be crazy for us and also for our association, the referees must give credibility for the entire system”.
In your opinion, will technology be increasingly indispensable in football, especially for referees?
“Technology is important, I come from the times when it was doubted whether referees wanted technological aid. Referees certainly never want to make mistakes so technology is welcome if it serves to bring justice. We must have the courage to apply it, without necessarily penalizing the referees who continue and will continue to make mistakes.”