After securing backing from the Serie B League, former Italian Olympic Committee President Giovanni Malago has officially ended the speculation and confirmed he will submit his candidacy for the presidency of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) on Wednesday, May 13. The election for the FIGC presidency is scheduled for June 22, and Malago has already gained support from the Serie A League, the Players’ Association, and the Coaches’ Association.
Malago officially lifted the suspense and will file his candidacy application on Wednesday, May 13 (local time). In a statement reported by ANSA, Malago said: “I had mentioned this before, and now I am keeping my promise. Out of respect for International Olympic Committee President Kirsty Coventry, who is currently in Rome, and the various constituent bodies of the federation, I have always said I would make a decision immediately after this. Now I confirm that tomorrow morning I will go to the Italian Football Federation to submit my candidacy.”
The FIGC’s constituent bodies will vote on June 22 to elect a new president. Tomorrow is also the deadline for submitting candidacy applications for the FIGC presidency. Among those vying to succeed Gabriele Gravina is Giancarlo Abete, president of the National Amateur League, but the competition will only become official once documents are formally submitted. Candidates must file their applications at the FIGC secretariat by 6:00 PM or via certified email by 11:59 PM.
Malago had previously secured backing from the Serie A League, the Players’ Association, and the Coaches’ Association. On Tuesday evening, May 12, the Serie B League also joined his support camp.
In an official statement, the Serie B League announced: “LNPB confirms that the work conducted over the past few weeks around the Federal Electoral Assembly on June 22 has been completed. This work focused on both method and content and ultimately resulted in a programmatic document. After meeting with potential candidates at the FIGC last week, President Paolo Bedin recently held separate discussions with each club. The results show a clear preference for Malago, so the Serie B League is ready to support his candidacy. Once his application is officially submitted, we will begin analyzing the relevant electoral platform.”