Italian Soccer Federation President Faces Election Inquiry and Stadium Woes
Giovanni Malagò is under scrutiny for his election and the country's readiness to host Euro 2032.
Italian soccer federation president Giovanni Malagò is facing a dual challenge: an inquiry into his election and the country's lagging preparations for co-hosting the 2032 European Championship.
The Italian Olympic Committee (CONI), an organization Malagò formerly led, is investigating an alleged irregularity in his election. This inquiry could lead to his removal and the appointment of an emergency commissioner.
Simultaneously, Italy's readiness to host the Euro 2032 tournament, co-organized with Turkey, is a significant concern. The Italian federation recently submitted a list of 14 potential stadiums across 13 cities to UEFA. However, as of now, only Juventus’ Allianz Stadium in Turin meets the required standards.
The election inquiry centers on whether Malagò was a registered member of the soccer federation at the time of his vote. "I’m not concerned. I could be wrong, but I don’t think so. I was elected and I had a consensus of votes," Malagò stated Thursday. "With those prerequisites, why should I be worried?"
UEFA president Aleksander Čeferin has cautioned Italian authorities about potential political interference, according to an interview with Gazzetta dello Sport. CONI is scheduled to discuss the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) vote on Tuesday.
Malagò secured 68.58% of the votes in his election, defeating former federation president Giancarlo Abete. His election followed the resignation of Gabriele Gravina after Italy's failure to qualify for three consecutive World Cups.
Adding to the federation's challenges, Malagò ally Diana Bianchedi resigned this week as the national team’s delegation chief following a dispute with Sports Minister Andrea Abodi.
The 13 cities proposed by Italy for Euro 2032 include Bari, Bologna, Cagliari, Florence, Genoa, Lecce, Milan, Naples, Palermo, Rome, Salerno, Turin, and Verona. Rome has proposed two venues: the Stadio Olimpico and a planned new stadium for AS Roma.
UEFA's ideal scenario involves selecting five stadiums from Italy and five from Turkey for the 24-team, 51-game tournament. "I’ve been the flag bearer for major events for years," Malagò commented. "UEFA is looking at us very carefully. And our plan is an act of faith because as of today only one stadium would be ready to host the Euros while Turkey has well more than five."
Beyond Turin, significant work is required for other potential venues. Inter and AC Milan plan to demolish the San Siro to construct a new stadium. Major renovations are also needed for the Stadio Olimpico in Rome, the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona in Naples, and the Stadio Renzo Barbera in Palermo.
Rome city officials recently granted final approval for the construction of AS Roma's new stadium, though building is not expected to commence until next year. Italy initially aimed to host the Euros independently but sought a joint bid with Turkey due to stadium infrastructure limitations.
In April, the government appointed Massimo Sessa as an extraordinary commissioner for stadiums in an effort to address these issues.