Giovanni Malagò, FIGC commissioner, immediately lashed out: “It was embarrassing”

As was widely expected, Giovanni Malagò was elected commissioner of the Italian Soccer Federation (FIGC): The CONI Executive Committee, meeting at the Foro Italico in Rome, voted unanimously, and the National Council approved the decision. New elections must be held by January 31.

Following the Executive Committee and National Council vote, Giovanni Malagò commented on the matter as follows: “It was a difficult, embarrassing situation, but that’s life. It has been confirmed that I stand tall. I think those who have followed the story are in a position to judge whether I am a loser or a winner. I did it out of love for the sport, for CONI, and for my colleagues on the Executive Committee and the National Council.”

Malagò then spoke about the performance of the national team led by Roberto Mancini: “I’m truly very happy; there will be difficult moments, but there’s a growing sense of enthusiasm. Yesterday’s match had a 40% viewership share, with 8 million people watching and nearly 4 million Italians tuning in to the post-match commentary. I think the credit goes to Mancini, the players, and Claudio Ranieri.”

Here is CONI’s statement: “The 1,177th meeting of the CONI National Executive Committee was held this morning at 1:00 p.m. at the Foro Italico in Rome. President Buonfiglio proposed to the Council that the Italian Football Federation be placed under the administration of Giovanni Malagò, so that new elections may be held no later than January 31, 2027. With no further business to discuss, the Council concluded its session at 1:15 p.m.”