FIGC Presidency Upended as Adriano Galliani Challenges Malagò Before Nov 4
Former AC Milan and Monza executive Adriano Galliani is preparing a run to challenge incumbent Giovanni Malagò for the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) presidency ahead of the November 4 candidacy filing deadline. Top-flight clubs are actively seeking an alternative leadership candidate following dissatisfaction over key administrative and national team managerial appointments made without prior consultation.
Serie A clubs are pushing for a unified vote to determine whether to formally sponsor Galliani before official candidacy filings close. The mandate will ultimately culminate in the FIGC presidential election scheduled for December 14.
Serie A Governance Revolt Shifts Power Dynamic
Frustration among top-flight club executives stems from central decision-making, particularly regarding the selection of national team coaching staff and head of delegation roles. While Serie A clubs provided near-unanimous support for Malagò during earlier voting cycles, a coalition of presidents has now approached Galliani to mount a counter-bid. The former Monza chief has left the door open to running, with supporters working to gather broader backing across lower leagues, players, and coaches associations.
The institutional power struggle arrives at a critical juncture in the Italian football calendar, with less than two weeks remaining before the formal November 4 candidacy cutoff. Serie A must establish a clear voting majority before delegates convene to elect the federation president on December 14.
“Since my election I have never felt abandoned by the majority, and I’m not discouraged by rumours about this, which may even be true,” Malagò said. “I recognise there is some resistance from people with important histories behind them, but through dialogue you can even create unity. I’m calling all the Serie A presidents one by one. I’ve already spoken to 13, and they all guarantee me their support.”
Reporting on the initial pushback from Serie A clubs was first published by La Gazzetta dello Sport.