Italian FA president Giovanni Malagò discussed the resignation of Italy national team manager Daniela Bianchedi in an interview and criticized remarks made by Italian Sports Minister Andrea Abodi. Malagò stated that he supported Bianchedi's decision and deemed Abodi's intervention in the internal affairs of a sports institution "inappropriate."

Bianchedi resigned from her position as Italy national team manager following Abodi's comments, in which he criticized her for disagreeing with Italian Olympic Committee President Bonfiglio regarding whether the Italian Weightlifting Federation should be taken over.

Regarding this, Malagò said: "I can only support Daniela Bianchedi's decision. Abodi's intervention was unusual, his words were problematic, and it was inappropriate. I think it's hard to say there's anything wrong with her decision. This is not the first time the Sports Minister has made such comments regarding football matters, in my opinion. The facts are very clear."
Malagò continued: "What Daniela found particularly unacceptable was the Sports Minister directly intervening in the actions and positions of individual members within the Italian Olympic Committee's executive board. This is precisely what happened. It's not a question of who has a better relationship with Mario, Carlo, Giovanni, or Luciano. It's clearly a direct intervention, which, in my opinion, is completely wrong, because the operating principles of sports autonomy must be respected."
Malagò also spoke about his future. In the context of an upcoming meeting of the Italian Olympic Committee's executive board to discuss whether to take over the Italian FA due to issues related to registration qualifications, he stated that he remained calm about the situation.
Malagò said: "I am very calm. Perhaps I am wrong, I don't know, but I don't think so. I do this job as a volunteer, and I hold this position because I received support through elections, and others invited me to do so. With this in mind, why shouldn't I remain calm?"
Malagò also discussed Italy and Turkey's co-hosting of Euro 2032 and highlighted the current state of stadium construction in Italy.
He said: "As you know, I have long been a strong supporter of Italy hosting major sporting events. UEFA is watching us very closely. I have full respect for Italy, and also full respect for Vice President Gravina and his experience, and I believe they feel the same way about me."
"But what we are facing now is a real challenge, because as of today, Italy has only one stadium that meets the conditions to host the Euros, while Turkey already has more than five."
Speaking about Italy's ability to host major sporting events, Malagò also mentioned the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, the America's Cup sailing competition, the ATP Finals, and the Taranto Mediterranean Games.
AF's PC site is now live! Browse full news, comments, match details and stats on your computer. Visit: www.allfootballapp.com
Italy
All Comments