Giovanni Malagò to Remain Italian Soccer Federation Head After Compromise
A last-minute agreement allows Giovanni Malagò to continue leading the Italian soccer federation as interim commissioner despite an election irregularity.
Giovanni Malagò will remain at the helm of the Italian soccer federation following a compromise reached Tuesday, averting his removal due to an election irregularity. Malagò was named the federation's emergency commissioner on an interim basis, pending a new election.
The agreement was finalized in a meeting between Malagò and Italian Olympic Committee (CONI) president Luciano Buonfiglio just before CONI's vote on the matter.
The irregularity stemmed from Malagò not being registered as a member of the soccer federation at the time of his election in June. Despite this, he secured 68.58% of the votes, defeating former federation president Giancarlo Abete. The vote was intended to replace Gabriele Gravina, who resigned after Italy's failure to qualify for three consecutive World Cups.
A new election is anticipated in January, with Malagò expected to seek re-election. Malagò has a background in sports leadership, having previously headed the Italian Olympic Committee and the Milan Cortina Olympics organizing committee, and is also an International Olympic Committee member.
UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin had cautioned Italian authorities against political interference should Malagò be removed.
Beyond the national team's performance, Malagò also faces challenges with Italy's preparations for co-hosting the 2032 European Championship with Turkey. Last week, the federation presented UEFA with a list of 14 potential stadiums across 13 cities, but only one, Juventus' Allianz Stadium in Turin, is currently ready for use.