Florent Ghisolfi, Roma’s sporting director, expressed strong dissatisfaction with the Serie A referees in an interview with Corriere dello Sport. He highlighted that Roma has been affected by seven refereeing errors acknowledged by major national media this season, which has significantly impacted their standings. Despite these issues, the club has refrained from creating controversies, prioritizing team performance over grievances.
Ghisolfi pointed out that these mistakes have resulted in considerable points lost, asserting that had the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) been used in these situations, the outcomes might have altered. He noted that on seven occasions, referees did not consult VAR, which could have led to different match results in favor of Roma.
The only time Roma openly expressed discontent was after a match against Monza, where the influence of refereeing was glaringly evident. Ghisolfi stated that Roma demands respect from referees and the overarching football institutions, especially when technology could rectify oversights, ensuring fairness in modern football.
He emphasized the need for an updated protocol that minimizes subjective decisions in officiating. Ghisolfi acknowledged Roma’s collaborative approach with the Italian referee association (AIA) during meetings, although the club disagrees with certain public positions of the officiating body.
Having recently joined the club, Ghisolfi is incorporating insights from American sports management. He stressed the importance of protecting the club’s image and that of its dedicated fans, as significant refereeing errors can jeopardize the season and spark economic consequences.
He suggested that better officiating could have enabled Roma to compete for a Champions League spot, which might significantly benefit the club financially. He cited a past incident involving a missed penalty that could have changed the club’s trajectory and finances dramatically.
Ghisolfi pointed out that errors have substantial implications, including potential titles and financial rewards. He underscored that the club’s management is prepared for dissent and aims to strengthen the team’s performance during the upcoming transfer window, with fewer restrictions.
He commended the ownership under the Friedkins for their commitment to the club, highlighting their proactive involvement and the scope for a future stadium. Nevertheless, he reiterated the call for fairness and equality in treatment, ensuring that Roma is not marginalized in decision-making processes or VAR implementations.
Ultimately, Roma seeks fairness, consistency, and increased reliance on VAR in their games.
Florent Ghisolfi asserts that Roma has endured seven notable officiating errors this season, advocating for improved refereeing standards, particularly through the use of VAR. He emphasizes the club’s commitment to addressing these issues while protecting its integrity and that of its supporters. Ghisolfi also highlights the potential financial and competitive consequences of officiating failures, urging systematic changes to ensure fair play moving forward.
