According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the controversy surrounding Giovanni Malagò's registration eligibility for his candidacy as Italian Football Federation (FIGC) president continues, with the possibility that the FIGC could be placed under special administration. Currently, approximately two-thirds of the Italian National Olympic Committee (CONI) executive board appear to support Malagò, though significant tensions remain. These include questions about why Sports Prosecutor Ugo Taucer did not act immediately in the past, and whether Malagò's incomplete registration procedures constitute a "serious violation" sufficient to trigger federation takeover.

All eyes are now on the CONI board meeting, where 16 members—a mix of officials and participants not always welcome together—will decide the fate of Giovanni Malagò and the Italian Football Federation. The board was elected over a year ago and is chaired by CONI President Luciano Buonfiglio, with two vice chairs: Diana Bianchedi, who also serves as interim chair, and Marco Di Paola from the Italian Equestrian Federation. The board also includes sports managers, athletes, coaches, representatives from regional and local committees, sports promotion bodies, Secretary Carlo Mornati, and two International Olympic Committee members: Federica Pellegrini and Malagò himself.

Malagò has been with CONI for 12 years and knows the organization and its people well. Among those who will ultimately decide whether to appoint a special administrator to take over the FIGC due to registration eligibility issues, he has close relationships with many—some might even call them friendships. Yet just two days ago, Malagò himself, primarily citing Buonfiglio, stated: "I'm being attacked by friendly forces."

Rather than dwell on these relationships, let's examine the key substantive issues of this complex matter. Currently, approximately two-thirds of the executive board members appear to support Malagò. It should be noted that the possibility of appointing a special administrator to take over the FIGC stems from a previous letter in which Sports Prosecutor Ugo Taucer informed CONI that the FIGC violated fundamental CONI principles, which may constitute a "serious violation of sports regulations confirmed by the governing body of the sports organization," as outlined in relevant regulations—a condition for special administration of a sports association.

Many Questions Remain

Beyond personal relationships, many CONI executive board members believe that the varying interpretations of registration regulations—particularly Article 29, Paragraph 1 of the FIGC Constitution, previously interpreted by FIGC Prosecutor Giuseppe Chinè—should not be underestimated. More importantly, they understand that Taucer believes the relevant registration status is necessary both for candidacy and election, to ensure a person is genuinely part of the federation they seek to represent.

However, in the case of the Italian Football Federation, this requirement is broadly waived for candidates through provisions requiring at least 50% plus one endorsement from founding member organizations when filing their candidacy.

There's Also Common Sense to Consider

Even if we assume that FIGC Secretary Marco Brunelli made an error in confirming Malagò's candidacy eligibility because he failed to explicitly reference this federation interpretation—one long accepted within the FIGC and supported by at least two relevant precedents, including a 2021 case involving a Lombardy committee of the amateur national football league—would imposing special administration on the entire FIGC for this reason be an excessive response?

Is this violation truly "serious" as defined by the CONI Constitution for triggering special administration?

Why No Action Earlier

Many have another question: Why didn't anyone act before? More precisely, why wasn't Malagò's candidacy challenged within seven days of announcement, as required by CONI regulations?

Disqualified candidates can lodge appeals, as can qualified candidates. The FIGC Prosecutor's office also has this right. Chinè's inaction is understandable—he consistently maintained throughout that Malagò's candidacy approval was correct in his view.

But the problem lies with Taucer. Taucer later sent a severe report to the FIGC, clearly considering the relevant registration status necessary. So why didn't he challenge it himself at that time?

Had he done so then, the issue could have been resolved within the prescribed timeframe and wouldn't be the matter it is today, which opens the door for anyone to claim this situation is being weaponized.

Board Members Under Pressure

It's clear that CONI executive board members are feeling the pressure, and the situation remains fluid. Italian Sports Minister Andrea Abodi has stated from the outset that he is a "close observer" of the matter, while emphasizing: "Everyone is aware of sports regulations, regardless of how many gaps there may be for interpretation."

Additionally, lawyer Renato Miele has sent an official warning letter. Miele's own disqualification from a previous FIGC presidential election triggered this entire situation. In his letter, he reminded those deciding Malagò's future that they are "individuals performing a public service function."

The tension is palpable heading into the potential vote.

Final Decision Likely in Early October

So when will this crucial executive board meeting on whether to appoint a special administrator to take over the FIGC take place? Buonfiglio has tasked a team of "renowned legal experts" with conducting an in-depth study of the matter.

These legal experts appear to have already begun their work, as Buonfiglio himself stated at Tuesday's board meeting: "I hope to report the results of the in-depth legal study to you as soon as possible."

Current information suggests everything should be decided in the first week of October, possibly after the Italian national team completes its final Nations League match against Turkey on October 5. However, tensions could escalate rapidly in the week before the official meeting, beginning when the meeting is announced. Certainly, everyone hopes the national team won't be disrupted by this matter and can focus solely on their matches.

แปลโดย AI

เว็บไซต์ AF เปิดตัวแล้ว! ดูข่าว ความคิดเห็น รายละเอียดแมตช์ และสถิติครบถ้วนบนคอมพิวเตอร์ของคุณ เยี่ยมชม: www.allfootballapp.com