Arezzo is preparing to become the beating heart of Italian refereeing sport with the tenth edition of the AIA (Italian Referee Association) Champions Cup.
This prestigious tournament, reserved for national referees, transforms referees into five-a-side football athletes for a weekend, ready to compete until the last minute to win the title of Italian champions.
This year’s edition promises to break all attendance records. Over 300 members, coming from the sections of Abbiategrasso, Albano Laziale, Cagliari, Collegno, Foligno, Lecce, Milan, Nola, Palermo, Perugia, Pinerolo and Pisa, will converge in Arezzo, bringing with them enthusiasm and sporting spirit.
The tournament will not just be an opportunity to compete on the soccer field. The referees will also have the opportunity to appreciate the beauty of the city. A guided tour will show them the wonders of Arezzo, with an addendum to Lucignano and Monte San Savino, allowing participants to immerse themselves in the history and culture of the place.
As per tradition, the race directors will attend the evocative Giostra del Saracino, a historical re-enactment that combines entertainment and tradition.
The evening of Friday 21 June will culminate with a dinner “under the stars” in Piazza del Comune, a convivial moment which will also see the participation of the Arezzo referees and their families. This gala represents a unique opportunity to consolidate bonds between participants and celebrate the start of the tournament.
From 21 to 23 June, the 12 sections of Italian referees will compete in an intense tournament. During the press conference, the draws were made for the initial pairings of the three round-robin groups:
- Group A: Pisa, Pinerolo, Lecce, Palermo.
- Group B: Foligno, Perugia, Abbiategrasso, Albano Laziale (the reigning champions).
- Group C: Cagliari, Milan, Nola, Collegno.
The AIA Champions Cup is not only a sporting competition, but also a moment of meeting and exchange between referees from all over Italy.
It is an opportunity to strengthen team spirit, share experiences and create new bonds.
The tenth edition of the AIA Champions Cup promises to be a memorable event, capable of uniting sport, culture and conviviality in a weekend that celebrates the best of Italian refereeing. Everything is ready: let the challenge begin!
