In Friuli, mayor signs anti-ball ordinance in public parks

A mayor in Italy's Friuli region has issued an ordinance banning ball games, including soccer, in public parks to protect public safety and urban decorum. The measure, signed by Mayor Mauro Delendi of Martignacco (Udine), imposes administrative fines ranging from 25 to 500 euros for violations.

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Thus, all balls that can cause danger and disturbance are removed.

The ordinance specifically targets games with balls in areas equipped for children and prohibits any games or sports involving the throwing of objects that could cause disturbance or endanger people and property. The decision stems from numerous citizen complaints regarding the misuse of green spaces for activities deemed inappropriate.

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Thus, all balls that can cause danger and disturbance are removed.

However, the Italian psychologists' union (Aupi) has strongly criticized the ban, warning that it could further restrict spontaneous aggregation spaces for children and adolescents. Ivan Iacob, Aupi's general secretary, expressed disbelief that preventing young people from playing in parks is a priority for an administration, especially given current concerns about youth distress, social isolation, and excessive screen time.

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We confess that we struggled to believe that in 2026 one of the priorities of an administration is to prevent groups of young people from meeting in one of the last free places left to be together.

Iacob sarcastically suggested that the ban might be a response to Italy's recent failures in World Cup qualifications, humorously stating that the "real cause" of football's crisis is children playing in parks. He argued that reducing impromptu games diminishes passion and opportunities for social interaction, calling the strategy "innovative yet courageous."

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Of course, after three consecutive World Cups without Italy, it was inevitable to identify the real cause of the crisis in national football: the kids playing in the parks.