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After decades of free access, Italian politicians may have to pay for entry to sports events
AS Roma forward Francesco Tott, second from right, celebrates with teammates after scoring on a free kick during a Serie A soccer match between AS Roma and Parma, at Rome's Olympic stadium, Sunday, March 17, 2013. (AP Photo/Riccardo De Luca)
ROME - Italian politicians may have to reach into their pocket and pay for tickets if they want to continue attending sports events in the country.
The Italian Olympic Committee has announced the end of free all-access cards for parliamentarians, and the move has gained widespread support.
Italy captain Gianluigi Buffon compared the move to the humble approach of the new pope, Francis, who went to pay his hotel bill the morning after being elected last week.
"It helps every now and then when there are signs of discontinuity," Buffon said. "It means that every now and then people stop and think."
For decades, VIP seats at Italian football matches have been stocked with politicians, who often bring their families along, with drivers waiting outside the stadium at taxpayers' expense.
Naturally, matches at the capital's Stadio Olimpico attract the most politicians, and the CONI move comes after efforts from American-owned Roma to eliminate the vast VIP section at the Rome stadium to sell more tickets.
The old cards will expire May 31, although clubs can still hand out free tickets.
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