Malagò: ‘Common sense’ prevailed, new FIGC election on December 14

CORTINA D'AMPEZZO, ITALY - MARCH 15: Giovanni Malago, President of the Organising Committee for the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 delivers a speech during the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Paralympic Games closing ceremony at Cortina Curling Olympic Stadium on March 15, 2026 in Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy. (Photo by Mattia Ozbot/Getty Images)

Giovanni Malagò said that ‘common sense’ prevailed after being appointed as FIGC Special Commissioner and confirmed that new presidential elections will be held on December 14.

Malagò was appointed as the FIGC Special Commissioner after a meeting with CONI President Luciano Buonfiglio on Tuesday.

Buonfiglio’s original plan was to appoint a different Special Commissioner replacing Malagò. The latter, in fact, was not a formal FIGC member when he stood for election in June, leading many to believe that CONI delegates would reject his appointment.

The dispute escalated into a broader political confrontation, involving figures close to both Malagò nd Buonfiglio. La Gazzetta dello Sport reported on Monday that Buonfiglio’s vote in the case could itself have been challenged because of a potential conflict of interest, as his son works for a company that manages Venezia’s marketing and new stadium project.

After the meeting between Malagò and Buonfiglio, the CONI National Council unanimously approved Malagò’s appointment as FIGC Special Commissioner.

“I believe that each of you, everyone who has followed the matter, can judge whether there’s a winner and a loser. Or maybe there isn’t either,” Malagò told reporters on Tuesday (via Gazzetta).

“To say that there have been misunderstandings seems an understatement to me. I received a call from President Buonfiglio yesterday. As you know, I was in Emilia Romagna [for Italy vs. Turkiye], and he asked me to meet today. I was fully available. There was a proposal, which I’m happy to share, and it has been confirmed by all the colleagues.

“There was a debate about who could and couldn’t vote. I accepted the role for the love of sport, CONI, and out of respect for my colleagues, to avoid further division and embarrassment; I thought it was the right thing to do.

“I feel calm because I think there have been, maybe, some thoughts about common sense, because common sense is all we are talking about. It’s a victory of common sense,” Malagò added.

“I feel more responsibility because I find myself being a special commissioner, without a deputy… Today is October 6, and new elections can’t take place for 60 days, so not until December 7. However, the first available date is December 14, so we’ll hold the election then and won’t lose time.”

Malagò was elected with nearly 70% of the votes back in June. Does he still have the backing from the FIGC components?

“I don’t know how you can think otherwise,” he confidently replied.

“I’ve met several components, and they’ve all confirmed their full trust. I don’t know what more I can do.

“It’s funny because, on the one hand, it says you must be a member, but on the other hand, it also says you must not have a conflict of interest with any club,” he continued, aiming another dig at Buonfiglio.

“It’s a funny thing, but I’m not sure Italians had much fun. Objectively, it was tough, sad, and embarrassing, but this is life. We face everything with strength and serenity.”

Malagò appointed Roberto Mancini as Italy’s new head coach, and the Azzurri have collected two wins, one draw and one loss in their four games during the international break.

“I’m really happy because I see the Italians are starting to be that way,” Malagò concluded.

“It’s just the beginning; there will be tough moments, but I can see growing enthusiasm.”