New Italian Football Chief Calls for Urgent Reform, Citing 'Stagnant' Situation

Rome, Italy – Giovanni Malagò, newly elected president of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC), declared that Italian football is in a "completely stagnant" state and urgently requires structural reform. Malagò secured the presidency with 68.58% of the vote, succeeding Gabriele Gravina.

In his first press conference after the election, Malagò expressed his commitment to defending the autonomy of sport but warned that inaction would lead to external impositions. "If we don't change, someone will force us to change. The reasoning is very simple," he stated, criticizing the current inability to implement proposed programs despite broad support.

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No ocurre en ningún otro sector que tengas un mandato prácticamente por unanimidad y, de hecho, no logres hacer nada de lo propuesto en el programa.

Malagò outlined three "guiding stars" for his tenure: strengthening the national team, which he noted has "quite marked personalities"; developing a technical project; and restoring a relationship with politics. He directly addressed the Italian government, highlighting that their legislative term ends in September 2027, while his mandate extends to February 2029, suggesting the government has less time to enact changes for football.

Regarding the vacant position of the national team's coach, Malagò denied having spoken with anyone, despite media speculation linking Roberto Mancini to a return. He identified the organization of the Euro 2032, which Italy will co-host with Turkey, as a "major priority" and a "challenge within the challenge." Malagò, formerly the president of the Italian National Olympic Committee (CONI) for twelve years, takes on the task of modernizing Italian football, which faces a deep crisis after failing to qualify for a third consecutive World Cup.

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No he hablado con nadie.