Gianni Rivera says he supports placing the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) under a special commissioner and remains critical of the decision to elect Giovanni Malago as president.
The Milan and Italy legend also said he was even less convinced by the decision to bring Roberto Mancini back as head coach of the Italy national team.
Rivera was speaking at the Festival dello Sport in Trento on Friday, where he discussed the uncertainty surrounding the FIGC, his former club Milan and the late Sandro Mazzola.
Malago’s position has been put under increasing pressure only a few months after he was elected FIGC president. He could be forced to leave because he was not a formally registered member of the Italian FA when the presidential election took place.
Diana Bianchedi, who had been appointed by Malago as delegation chief for the Italy national team, resigned on Thursday.
If Malago is required to step down, potentially as early as next week, the FIGC is expected to be placed under the control of a special commissioner until a new presidential election can be held.
Rivera had stood as a candidate for the FIGC presidency before Malago won the election in June. He said he agreed with the prospect of the federation being temporarily run by a commissioner and indicated he would still be willing to take on the role.
“I believe that the federation will soon be placed under a commissioner, and if that happens, I am available. Let’s see if they remember Rivera this time,” he said.
“I’ve always been in favour of a commissioner. I didn’t agree when they chose Malago and even less when they called Mancini back. He got angry about what I said and asked me to explain why I said those things. He knows now.”
Rivera also spoke about his relationship with Milan, who did not include him in the on-pitch celebrations for their 125th anniversary in 2024.
“When Paolo Maldini was in charge, he called me to tell me that there would always be a place for me in San Siro whenever I wanted,” Rivera said.
“Then after he left they stopped inviting me and they forgot about me for the 125th anniversary celebration.”
He also paid tribute to Mazzola, his long-time Italy team-mate and club rival, who died aged 83 in September.
“He and I wrote the history of football in Milan for many years. We could have played together, not just replacing one another,” Rivera said.
“Sandro would be very happy if Lautaro Martinez won the Ballon d’Or. I won one of those, the first Italian ever.”
