Key Takeaways
- Gabriele Gravina labels suggestions that Italy should replace Iran at the 2026 World Cup as ‘shameful’ and ‘fanciful’
- The outgoing FIGC President insists his resignation was voluntary, stating ‘I do not allow pressure to guide my decisions’
- Gravina defends his six-year record, highlighting the federation’s global reputation despite the senior men’s team missing three straight World Cups
Gabriele Gravina has strongly rejected demands for Italy to take Iran’s place at the 2026 World Cup. The outgoing president of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) described such proposals as ‘shameful’ during a recent television appearance.
Gravina tendered his resignation last month following Italy’s defeat to Bosnia and Herzegovina in the World Cup play-off final. The loss confirmed that the Azzurri will miss football’s premier tournament for the third consecutive time.
Speaking on La7’s ‘Otto e mezzo’ programme, the 70-year-old insisted that nobody forced him to step down. ‘It was the right thing to do,’ he explained. ‘This was an act of love and responsibility towards the federation.’ He added that his departure helped shield the organisation from ‘institutional hysteria’ during a difficult period.
The federation will elect a new president on June 22. Giovanni Malagò and Giancarlo Abete are currently the leading candidates to succeed Gravina.
Despite the senior men’s team’s World Cup failures, Gravina refuses to classify his presidency as a disappointment. He pointed out that the FIGC oversees numerous national teams, including women’s and youth sides. ‘Our federation is among the most respected in Europe and across the globe,’ he stated. He also noted that supporters often blame the federation for matters controlled by leagues and competition laws.
Gravina additionally defended his decision to appoint Luciano Spalletti as head coach last summer. He maintained that Spalletti was the ideal choice to restore pride to the national shirt, though he conceded that the sporting results were disappointing.
Regarding the possibility of Italy replacing Iran at the upcoming tournament in North America, Gravina was unequivocal. ‘Only the Italian supporters truly deserve to go to the World Cup,’ he declared. ‘These suggestions are fanciful and shameful.’