Growth Decree: Salvini responds to controversy, wants to help Italian football

Italy’s Matteo Salvini has recently voiced his opinion after the abolition of the Growth Decree, a decision that has a significant impact on Italian football, thus triggering various controversies.

The ruling party member expressed his views on social media. He stated the government’s aim is to aid Italian football, particularly by enhancing training schools. The abolition of the law that allows foreign players to pay lesser taxes, according to the League party, was deemed necessary.

Salvini has said he believes this decision is a matter of fairness and common sense. “The Growth Decree allowed clubs to purchase athletes from abroad at a discount: a tremendous support that lasted years, and was supposed to be an opportunity to revitalise our championships. It was expected to make the leagues more competitive and attractive. However, this was not the case, and the clubs’ reaction surprised me,” said Salvini on social media.

He further added that, “it seems as if the problem with our Serie A league is the lack of a kind of income for the players bought from abroad. I stand behind this statement, as always. If other colleagues have different ideas, I invite them to get involved in a public debate.”

Salvini noted that the welfare of Italian sport mainly depends on football. He expressed his openness to all discussions and proposals related to the issue.