Giovanni Malago could be appointed special commissioner of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) after his election as president was challenged because he was not a registered FIGC member at the time.
The Lega Serie A has formally backed Malago, but the proposal now being considered would see his election revoked and the federation placed under his own temporary leadership.
The issue is due to come to a head on Wednesday, when a CONI (Italian Olympic Committee) commission is expected to decide whether to invalidate Malago’s landslide victory in the June election. If the result is declared null and void, the FIGC would be placed under a special commissioner.
Malago was not registered as a FIGC member when he stood for election, meaning he should not have been eligible to run. That point is not being disputed, but Lega Serie A said on Tuesday that it continued to support his presidency.
The league also warned that appointing a commissioner would be “entirely inopportune, as it could draw football into chaos during a delicate time.”
UEFA has separately indicated that placing the FIGC under special administration could put Italy’s co-hosting responsibilities for EURO 2032 at risk. Italy is due to host the tournament alongside Turkiye.
Malago could retain influence through new role
Sky Sport Italia and other reports say CONI President Luciano Buonfiglio has asked Malago to attend a meeting on Wednesday morning. The meeting is expected to examine whether Malago himself could be named FIGC special commissioner.
Although Malago may not meet the requirements to be elected FIGC president, the reports suggest he could legally serve as commissioner and carry out the same reform programme.
That arrangement would also provide time for the FIGC either to grant Malago formal membership before holding another election, or to amend its electoral rules so that he would be eligible to stand at the next vote.
The idea is unusual because Malago has already held a similar temporary position. He served as special commissioner of Lega Serie A for one month in early 2018, at a time when the league was unable to elect a new president.
Malago was then head of CONI, the same organisation whose commission is now due to rule on whether his FIGC election can stand.