FIGC President Giovanni Malagò has acknowledged his surprise at the ongoing efforts to block his legal appointment. "This is extraordinary" and could harm Italy's bid to host Euro 2032.

The 67-year-old official was elected president of the Italian Football Federation on 22 June.

However, several appeals have been filed to block his appointment, citing insufficient documentation required for the position and inadequate experience with the FIGC.

Malagò previously served as special commissioner for the FIGC for one month in 2018, but for most of the past several decades, he has worked at the Italian Olympic Committee (CONI) and has long led the organization that coordinates Italian sports.

"Honestly, this is extraordinary, because this is not even a legal obstacle, but an interpretation of the rules," Malagò told reporters at an event. "It's strange that only my case would be interpreted this way."

"I expected one, two, or three appeals, but at some point, they will stop. In a way, this is like emotional persistence against me, but I am very calm now."

Malagò's tenure did not start smoothly. He attempted to appoint Daniele Martini and Marcos Leonardo as technical directors for the Italian national team, but both stepped down after failing to choose their preferred head coach.

He then brought back Roberto Mancini as head coach, Carlo Ranieri as technical director, and Gianfranco Zola as assistant.

"We are accustomed to difficulties in Italy, but there has also been some good news in the past two months," said Malagò. "I see enthusiasm and chemistry among Ranieri, Zola, and Mancini; now we will see how everything plays out on the pitch."

When asked whether the ongoing controversy surrounding his FIGC presidency might affect Italy's joint bid with Turkey to host Euro 2032, Malagò acknowledged that it is unclear.

"That's a good question. If I say no, I would not be honest; but if I say yes, that is also not true, because I do not want to worry anyone."

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