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Italy's National Olympic Committee (CONI) appointed Giovanni Malago as commissioner of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) today following a dispute over his eligibility for the presidency. Objections arose because Malago was not a registered federation member when he was elected on June 22, raising questions about the vote's legal validity.

CONI argued that federation membership was required to run for president, while FIGC maintained it was not mandatory and the election could not be annulled. Under their compromise, Malago will relinquish the presidency but continue leading the federation as commissioner until an extraordinary electoral assembly. CONI said in a statement that he must convene that assembly no later than January 31, 2027.

Malago, a former CONI president, secured the presidency with 68.5% of the vote. His predecessor, Gabriele Gravina, resigned after Italy failed in March to reach the World Cup finals, its third successive qualification failure. The dispute also prompted debate over sporting autonomy. Sports Minister Andrea Abodi supported CONI appointing a commissioner to oversee the federation, an approach Malago criticized as political interference.

Key Takeaways

• CONI appointed Malago commissioner following a dispute over his federation membership.
• He will leave the presidency but remain in charge until a new electoral assembly.
• The assembly must be convened by January 31, 2027.