Italian authorities and sporting institutions have launched a new initiative aimed at strengthening efforts to combat antisemitism across the country’s sporting sector.
The declaration of intent, signed at the Chigiana Library in Palazzo Chigi, brings together government representatives, Olympic and Paralympic bodies, and anti-discrimination officials in a coordinated framework designed to address antisemitic behaviour both on and off the field.
The agreement was signed by the Minister for Sport and Youth, Andrea Abodi; the National Coordinator for Combating Antisemitism, Pasquale Angelosanto; the President of the Italian National Olympic Committee (CONI), Luciano Buonfiglio; and the President of the Italian Paralympic Committee (CIP), Marco Giunio De Sanctis. Representatives from the Union of Italian Jewish Communities (UCEI) also attended the ceremony.
The initiative follows earlier cooperation between the Italian government and the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) on discriminatory conduct in football and seeks to extend similar measures to the broader sporting environment. According to the Ministry for Sport and Youth, the declaration establishes a framework for collaboration between institutions, national federations, sports promotion bodies, clubs, associations, athletes, and supporters.
The agreement outlines thirteen areas of action focused on prevention, education, communication, and enforcement. Measures are expected to include awareness campaigns, educational initiatives for athletes and club members, and clearer disciplinary responses to discriminatory behaviour and hate speech in sporting contexts.
The move comes amid broader European concerns regarding antisemitic incidents linked to sport, particularly in football stadiums and online supporter spaces. In recent years, European sporting bodies and national associations have faced growing pressure to address racist and antisemitic chants, banners, and abuse directed at players, supporters, and Jewish communities.
During the signing ceremony, Minister Andrea Abodi stated that the declaration forms part of wider government efforts to combat discrimination in sport. He noted that the initiative aims to strengthen activities related to awareness, information, and responsibility throughout the sporting sector, including among supporters.
Pasquale Angelosanto emphasised the need for continued educational work, describing antisemitism as an ongoing concern requiring preventive measures and institutional coordination. The initiative places particular emphasis on informing athletes and registered members of sports organisations about discriminatory conduct and its consequences.
The President of the Union of Italian Jewish Communities, Livia Ottolenghi, described sport as an important setting for promoting respect and inclusion, while Marco Giunio De Sanctis highlighted recent remembrance initiatives involving Paralympic athletes, including a “Journey of Memory” linked to Holocaust education.
