The race for the next FIGC President is officially heating up. Giovanni Malagò and Giancarlo Abete have both submitted their formal candidacies, setting the stage for a high-stakes election on June 22 to replace outgoing President Gabriele Gravina.
Gravina stepped down after Italy's disappointing failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, leaving a leadership void at the helm of Italian football. Now, two heavyweights are stepping into the ring.
Malagò, the former president of the Italian Olympic Committee (CONI), brings a wealth of experience from the broader sports world. Abete, currently leading the amateur divisions (LND), represents the grassroots of the game. Their candidacies were only made official on Wednesday—the deadline for submissions—but the football community has been anticipating this showdown for weeks.
The FIGC has until May 22 to formally accept both bids, though reports from La Gazzetta dello Sport suggest this is merely a procedural step. All eyes are now on June 22, when the election will be decided.
As the race shapes up, Malagò appears to have the early momentum. He already has the backing of Lega Serie A, the players' association, and the coaches' association. On Tuesday evening, he secured another key endorsement: Lega Serie B. This coalition of top-tier support gives him a strong foundation heading into the vote.
Abete, however, is far from a long shot. As the head of the LND, he commands the loyalty of Italy's vast amateur football network, which holds a significant 34% share of the voting power. That's a formidable bloc that could swing the election in his favor.
Here's how the voting power breaks down among the key bodies:
- Lega Serie A – Major clubs
- Lega Serie B – Second-tier clubs
- LND (Amateur Divisions) – 34% of votes
- Players' Association – Player representation
- Coaches' Association – Coaching voices
With such a diverse electorate, every endorsement counts. Whether Malagò's broad appeal or Abete's grassroots strength prevails, this election promises to shape the future of Italian football for years to come.