Italy’s World Cup 2026 Failure Fuels Push to Lift Gambling Ad Ban

Italy’s failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup has intensified political and industry pressure to reconsider the country’s long-standing ban on gambling advertising, as concerns grow over how professional sports are funded.

Following the national team’s elimination after a decisive defeat to Bosnia and Herzegovina in the qualifiers, Italian football has entered a broader governance crisis. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has since ordered a formal inquiry into the structure and financing of the sector.

The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) is now facing mounting criticism. President Gabriele Gravina resigned on April 2 amid increasing pressure, while other key figures—including team delegation head Gianluigi Buffon and head coach Gennaro Gattuso—also stepped down shortly afterward.

As public backlash intensifies, policymakers are increasingly acknowledging a structural funding gap in Italian sports. Critics argue that the 2018 “Dignity Decree,” which banned gambling advertising and sponsorships, has significantly reduced club revenues and weakened their competitiveness compared to other European leagues.

Gravina had previously advocated for lifting the ban and introducing a “right to bet” framework, aimed at channeling a portion of gambling revenues into infrastructure, youth academies, and grassroots development. According to him, the restrictions failed to curb gambling-related harm while costing Italian football up to €1 billion in lost sponsorship income.

Although Sports Minister Andrea Abodi proposed easing sponsorship restrictions last year, progress has stalled. Leadership changes within the federation have further delayed any concrete regulatory reform, leaving the issue unresolved.

The renewed debate comes at a time of declining performance for both the national team and club football in Italy. Many stakeholders now argue that revising gambling regulations should form part of a broader financial overhaul to restore competitiveness and sustainability across the sport.