Giovanni Malagò faces an unusual twist in his tenure as FIGC President after questions over his eligibility led to calls for the election to be annulled. The Italian Olympic Committee (CONI) is set to decide whether to declare the June election invalid because Malagò was not a registered FIGC member when he was elected, which disqualifies him from candidacy under current rules.
The Lega Serie A has publicly backed Malagò despite the controversy, calling the prospect of appointing a special commissioner “entirely inopportune,” warning it could plunge Italian football into chaos at a sensitive time. UEFA has also voiced concerns, suggesting that putting the FIGC under a commissioner might jeopardize Italy’s co-hosting role for Euro 2032 alongside Turkey.
As the situation unfolds, an extraordinary proposal has emerged. CONI President Luciano Buonfiglio reportedly invited Malagò to a meeting on the morning of April 4 to discuss the possibility of installing Malagò himself as the FIGC’s special commissioner. Although Malagò lacks the formal eligibility to be FIGC President, he could legally serve as commissioner and implement reforms in that capacity.
Malagò’s potential self-appointment as commissioner would provide a temporary solution. It would allow the FIGC time either to grant Malagò membership and hold a new election or to adjust the electoral regulations to permit his candidacy in the future. The move follows a precedent from early 2018 when Malagò briefly served as special commissioner of Lega Serie A during a leadership impasse. At that time, he was already CONI President—the same role he holds now while facing scrutiny over his FIGC status.
The June election saw Malagò win by a landslide, but his non-membership in the federation at the time has raised legal and procedural questions. The CONI commission’s forthcoming decision could either confirm his presidency or nullify the vote, forcing a reorganisation of the federation’s leadership.
Lega Serie A’s statement today reaffirmed its support for Malagò and criticised the idea of a commissioner. The league described such an appointment as potentially destabilising Italian football. Meanwhile, UEFA’s warning about the Euro 2032 hosting arrangement adds pressure for a swift resolution.
FIGC President Malagò also serves as head of the organising committee for the 2026 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, a role that adds to his high profile in Italian sport. His dual responsibilities underline the influence he wields across Italian athletics and football, even as his position at FIGC faces uncertainty.
CONI’s ruling is expected imminently, with Malagò’s meeting with Buonfiglio scheduled for April 4. The outcome will determine whether Malagò remains FIGC President, steps aside entirely, or takes on the commissioner role to oversee the federation until a new electoral process can be arranged.
According to Yahoo Sports.
