The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) is facing another period of uncertainty, with Giovanni Malago continuing to lead the organisation as interim commissioner despite being removed as president.
Malago was elected FIGC president in June, but his appointment was later overturned because he did not meet the required registration qualifications. The federation has since been placed under temporary control, with Malago appointed interim commissioner and effectively remaining in charge.
The situation comes after Italy’s latest failure to qualify for the World Cup, a setback that has left the state of the national game under renewed scrutiny.
Attention is now turning to the next FIGC election and whether Malago will seek to return to the presidency. One possible challenger is Adriano Galliani, the former executive of Milan and Monza.
Journalist Daniele Garbo discussed the prospect on TMW Radio, describing it as a major reversal by the groups that originally supported Malago’s rise.
“This would be very surprising, because it would mean that the alliance that initially pushed Malago into the presidency is now willing to throw him overboard, as they clearly didn’t get the results they wanted,” Garbo said.
“This kind of thing only happens in Italy, and it also shows the current state of our football.”
The prospect of Galliani standing against Malago would therefore represent a direct challenge from within the same football establishment that helped install the current interim commissioner.
The FIGC’s temporary arrangement is expected to remain a central issue as the election approaches, with the organisation having to address both Malago’s eligibility and the possibility of a contested race for the presidency.
The developments have added to the uncertainty surrounding Italian football following another World Cup disappointment, with the federation now preparing for a leadership contest while still operating under interim arrangements.
