Key Takeaways
- Giovanni Malagò will confirm his candidacy for the Italian Football Federation presidency by the end of next week.
- The former Olympic chief has received public support from Lega Serie A, the Players’ Association, and the Coaches’ Association.
- The election on June 22 follows Gabriele Gravina’s resignation after Italy failed to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
Gabriele Gravina stepped down as President of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) following Italy’s failure to reach the 2026 World Cup. This resignation has triggered an election scheduled for June 22 to select a new leader for Italian football.
The race appears to feature two main contenders. Giovanni Malagò, who previously served as head of the Italian Olympic Committee, faces competition from Giancarlo Abete. Several powerful organisations have already declared their support for Malagò. Lega Serie A, which governs Italy’s top flight, has backed him publicly. The Players’ Association and the Coaches’ Association followed suit with their endorsements.
Despite this strong support, Malagò has not yet officially entered the contest. He stated that he appreciates the trust placed in him by these groups. However, he noted that this support brings extra responsibility as he weighs his options. He promised to reach a final decision before the weekend concludes. He also mentioned he wishes to respect the upcoming assemblies for Serie B and Serie C.
The election uses a weighted voting system. Different groups hold varying levels of influence. Lega Serie A controls 18 per cent of the vote. Serie B holds 6 per cent, while Lega Pro possesses 12 per cent. The amateur league, known as LND, commands the largest share at 34 per cent. Meanwhile, the Players’ Association accounts for 20 per cent and the Coaches’ Association holds 10 per cent of the total vote.