The Italian National Olympic Committee voted unanimously to place the Italian Football Federation under emergency administration, appointing Giovanni Malagò as commissioner to guide the governing body toward fresh elections by December 14. The move places Malagò back in charge of the organization he previously led as president, making the FIGC the eleventh commissar-run federation in its history following previous administrations triggered by missed World Cup qualifications, Calciopoli and other scandals.
The emergency administration stems from a dispute over Malagò’s candidacy in prior elections, which he won with 65.58 percent of the votes despite lacking a FIGC membership card required by the federation’s statute. While former presidents like Gabriele Gravina and Giancarlo Abete also served without being cardholders, the technicality sparked months of institutional clashes, legal opinions, and a potential showdown within the CONI executive board before a mediating meeting between Buonfiglio and Malagò, guaranteed by Cip president Giunio De Sanctis, secured the unanimous vote.
Malagò Sets December Dates for Elections
Malagò outlined a strict timeline for the upcoming transition at the conclusion of the CONI National Council. Pointing to the mandatory window for calling a vote, he stated, There are at least 60 days to call elections, so until December 7th. I think the earliest possible date is December 14th. Elections will be held, let’s not waste time.
. Leaving his intentions clear regarding a return to the presidency, Malagò noted he feels more responsible, finding himself commissioner without any kind of deputy, with a very clear mandate…
Malagò Reflects on Tension with Buonfiglio
Reflecting on the fierce political maneuvering that preceded the decision, Malagò remarked, I think anyone who’s followed the story is capable of assessing whether I’m a loser or a winner. Maybe there isn’t a loser or a winner. To say there were misunderstandings with Buonfiglio seems to me to be an affectionate understatement.
. The CONI president later acknowledged that Malagò was the victim of a malfunction, framing the commissioner appointment as a remedy.
Amid the political tension, Malagò also addressed potential staff reinstatements, noting that Buonfiglio requested the return of Diana Bianchedi as head delegation leader, though he specified that such a decision belongs to the eventual president rather than the commissioner. Meanwhile, attention remains fixed on the national team under Mancini, with Malagò praising the squad’s recent performance and viewing the strong television ratings and widespread public enthusiasm as positive momentum for Italian football.