Diana Bianchedi Resigns as National Team Delegation Chief Amid Political Tensions and ANAC Ruling
Diana Bianchedi has resigned from her role as delegation chief of the Italian men’s national football team following public friction with Minister for Sport and Youth Andrea Abodi. The decision arrived less than two months after her appointment in August and just as the Italian National Olympic Committee (CONI) prepared to address the potential receivership of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC). While the Anticorruption Authority (ANAC) cleared her of any conflict of interest between her FIGC post and her position as CONI vice president, the political fallout from ministerial remarks prompted her immediate exit to protect the Azzurri squad from ongoing controversy.
ANAC Clears Dual Roles While CONI Weighs Voting Eligibility
The National Anticorruption Authority concluded an investigation requested by CONI and determined that no rules regarding incompatibilities were violated by Bianchedi holding both the FIGC delegation chief role and her CONI vice presidency. The ANAC council voted to archive the case following her resignation from the football federation. However, ANAC President Giuseppe Busia clarified that the regulatory body lacks specific sanctioning powers regarding conflicts of interest, leaving it up to CONI to decide whether Bianchedi and Milan Head of Women Football Elisabet Spina are permitted to vote during the October 6 junta meeting concerning the FIGC.
FIGC President Defends Vice Presidents Against Minister Abodi
The resignation followed public remarks by Minister Andrea Abodi regarding internal friction within the CONI junta, specifically targeting vice presidents Marco Di Paola and Diana Bianchedi for expressing opposition to measures proposed by CONI President Luciano Buonfiglio. Abodi stated that figures holding trusted roles should step down if their positions consistently contradict leadership. FIGC President Giovanni Malagò strongly defended Bianchedi during a Lega Pro assembly in Florence, labeling the minister’s intervention as unconventional, clumsy, and out of place.
Protecting the Azzurri Squad From Institutional Conflict
In her resignation statement, Bianchedi emphasized her respect for CONI, its junta, and the FIGC, noting that recent press controversies unfairly targeted her professional values. She explained that stepping down was necessary to shield the national team staff and players from distractions. Malagò expressed full support for her choice, while tensions between the Ministry of Sport and Italian football authorities continue ahead of upcoming qualification matches and preparations for Euro 2032 infrastructure dossiers.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Bianchedi Resignation
When was Diana Bianchedi originally appointed as national team delegation chief?
Bianchedi assumed the role of delegation chief for the men’s national football team in August, serving for less than two months before stepping down.
What specific articles of Italian legislation did ANAC review during its investigation?
ANAC reviewed articles 4 and 9 of Legislative Decree No. 39 of 2013 regarding the unferability of roles and incompatibilities between private-regulated entities and state bodies, ultimately finding no violations.
When is the scheduled CONI junta meeting to vote on the FIGC commissar issue?
CONI scheduled the junta and council meetings to vote on the potential receivership of the Italian Football Federation for October 6.
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