Zappi, farewell letter: “Justice is not of this world”

Antonio Zappi is so bitter that this afternoon he had his 13-month disqualification confirmed by the Sports Guarantee Board at CONI, a circumstance which by regulation provides for the automatic forfeiture of the role of president of the Hague. Zappi has decided to entrust his farewell letter exclusively to the Gazzetta.

Dear Friends, I write these lines with a weight in my heart that is difficult to express. I leave my post with melancholy, but also with deep respect for what this experience has represented in my life, and with sincere gratitude.

A thought also goes to the judges: to those who, in the search for truth and justice, unfortunately have not managed to find them. Evidently, to ironically paraphrase an evangelical passage, justice is not of this world. Judicial decisions, however, are respected, and I choose to rely on the numerous certificates of esteem and solidarity received in these months and in these hours, which for me represent a clear absolution on a human and moral level.

Because those who really know this story know well what really happened and understand how much it is inserted in a much broader and more complex context. I leave my role with the awareness of having contributed, as much as possible, to the growth of The Hague.

I proudly claim:

• the appointment of very high profile Technical Bodies, with skills and credibility also recognized at an international level;

• the strengthening of the regulatory protection against violence in favor of young referees, the result of an institutional commitment that led to the modification of the Penal Code, with the hope that this rule will find ever more concrete application;

• a historic and significant containment of the costs of managing referee appointments recognized in recent days by the FIGC Federal Council itself and the respect of a 2025 Hague budget assigned and significantly reduced, obtained through careful, responsible and efficient management, despite the unjust and unfounded media and, unfortunately, also institutional accusations.

However, I was unable to complete a broad and structured technical and associative reform, aimed at the progressive professionalisation of top referees and the redefinition of the paths for grassroots ones. Not for lack of projects and will, but because every change that was attempted to be imposed did not respect the history and values ​​of the Association. Authentic reform, particularly at the top level, can only arise with respect for the technical autonomy of The Hague and never against the referees.

Unfortunately, the context in which I operated ended up confusing the doctor with the disease: those who tried to defend the technical meritocracy from political interference were instead interpreted as part of the same logic that they intended to counter. Only then could those who do not know what they are talking about have confused managerial changes of exclusive technical quality with spoil systems of mere political exchange.

I will carry with me indelible memories: ideas become reality, first objectives achieved, moments shared intensely. But also the bitterness for a path interrupted prematurely, due to dark events that are difficult to fully understand. This marks the end of an important chapter in my life, one that leaves a profound mark. Now a new phase opens. I will test myself in different contexts, guided by the desire to continue growing. A necessary step towards new challenges that I will face with curiosity and determination.

I would like to sincerely thank all those who accompanied me on this journey: my National Committee, all my colleagues, and anyone who shared responsibilities, sacrifices and satisfactions with me. Without them, nothing would have been the same. Together we have experienced intense moments, made difficult choices, faced complex challenges and also built something that will remain. I thank the many young people, whom I have always loved and who I have always placed at the center of my managerial action, and who in these long months have supported me in facing injustice with moving messages from those who were also concerned about my morale and my health. I have learned that, in the moments when the lights go out, a “how are you” is worth much more than any salary. And I will never be able to forget even the “less young”, the “wise men” of The Hague, some of whom even defied reprimands and adversity to defend me.

During this time I learned a lot: resilience in difficulties and the importance of authentic relationships. Because, in the end, it is always the people who make the difference. I will take with me every gesture of trust, every opportunity for growth. I defer to Francesco (the deputy vice-president Massini, ed.)safe helmsman in the storm, every day at my side and unshakable support of a Aia in difficulty, to Michele (Affinito, the other vice president, ed.)together with him a lighthouse in the rough sea and with my extraordinary National Committee – sweet in gestures and rocky in soul – the task of taking note of the definitiveness of the sporting judgment that concerns me and, as someone in the past has already been able to say with elegance, I do not exclude a return. With respect and gratitude. Thank you. Antonio Zappi