Italian soccer chief to lose job but stay as special administrator

ROME: Italy's soccer federation president Giovanni Malago is set to relinquish his position and resume his role as a special administrator following a compromise agreed upon by the Italian Olympic Committee (CONI). This decision effectively concludes weeks of governance turmoil. The Olympic body's executive board unanimously voted to place the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) under extraordinary administration and appoint Malago to manage day-to-day operations.

The proposed solution, awaiting final endorsement by the National Council, offers Malago a political exit following weeks of administrative disputes.

Following Giovanni Malago's election as FIGC president in June, garnering more than 68% of the votes, legal inquiries commissioned by the Olympic authorities raised questions about the ballot's validity due to Malago's non-membership at the time of the election. Consequently, under the agreed arrangement, Malago will vacate the presidency to pave the way for special administration implementation.

Subsequently, he will assume a role to steer the federation towards fresh presidential elections within three months. During this period, his formal administrative standing will be formalized. Malago will remain eligible to contest in the election scheduled no later than January 31 of the following year. The leadership contention unfolds at a pivotal juncture for Italian football, grappling with urgent structural issues, such as upgrading venues for Euro 2032 and the sporting repercussions of missing three successive World Cups.