Galliani officially challenges Malagò for FIGC presidency

Galliani officially enters the race for Italian Football Federation presidency, backed by players' and coaches' unions, challenging incumbent Malagò in December elections.

Giovanni Malagò's path to the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) presidency has hit an unexpected obstacle. Originally elected in June with 68.58% of weighted votes, Malagò's election was invalidated in October due to a procedural defect—he lacked the mandatory active membership requirement in the FIGC. He was subsequently appointed extraordinary commissioner pending new elections within 90 days, and appeared set to run unopposed after registering as an assistant director at a futsal club to satisfy membership rules.

However, Adriano Galliani, the former AC Milan chief executive, has now officially entered the race. Backed by the Italian Players' Association (AIC) and Italian Coaches' Association (AIAC), Galliani registered as a candidate after securing the required signatures. Both organizations issued a joint statement endorsing him, citing his track record and experience as grounds for a "progressive and open" vision for the federation.

The election, scheduled for 14 December in Rome, is now genuinely competitive. While Malagò expects support from Serie A's league body, he can count on only 11 of 20 top-flight clubs—a narrow majority. Some Serie A clubs have grown frustrated with certain decisions, particularly the appointment of the national team coach, suggesting Malagò's consensus is fracturing. The outcome is no longer assured.