Key Takeaways
- The Associations of Italian footballers and coaches will select their preferred candidate today, Thursday, April 30, 2026
- Giovanni Malagò holds a slight advantage over former FIGC President Giancarlo Abete
- The official election for the Italian FA Chief will take place on June 22, 2026, requiring an absolute majority to win
Italian football stands at a crossroads today as the nation’s players and coaches prepare to cast their votes in a pivotal selection process. The Associations representing these groups will meet on Thursday, April 30, 2026, to decide which contender they will support for the top job at the Italian Football Federation (FIGC).
Although the official appointment of the new FIGC President will not occur until June 22 next year, today’s decision carries significant weight for the eventual outcome. Two prominent figures have emerged as the leading contenders for the position, though neither has formally declared their candidacy at this stage.
Giovanni Malagò currently appears to hold the upper hand in this contest. The experienced administrator serves as President of the Italian National Olympic Committee (CONI). His leadership track record at CONI, combined with reports suggesting he may bring a former professional footballer onto his team, has strengthened his position among voters.
His rival, Giancarlo Abete, faces an uphill battle despite his previous experience leading the federation. Abete held the FIGC presidency from 2007 until 2014, when he stepped down following Italy’s disappointing exit from the World Cup in Brazil. Both men have engaged extensively with voting members across recent weeks.
The electoral system demands that the winner secures an absolute majority, meaning they must obtain more than half of all available votes to claim victory.