A significant day is approaching for the FIGC Presidential election, with the Italian football coaches’ and players’ associations expected to designate their chosen candidate today, Thursday, April 30, 2026. The final vote for the new head of the Italian Football Federation is scheduled for June 22, 2026.
Both potential candidates, Giovanni Malagò and Giancarlo Abete, who have not yet officially declared their candidacy, have already engaged with the various electoral stakeholders in the lead-up to the election.
The associations representing Italian coaches and players hold a combined 30% of the total votes in the election. Coaches contribute 20% of these votes, while players account for the remaining 10%.
According to reports, Malagò is considered the frontrunner in this particular selection process, ahead of Abete. Abete previously served as the FIGC President from 2007 to 2014, stepping down after Italy’s elimination from the World Cup in Brazil.
Several factors are believed to be giving Malagò a slight edge. His successful tenure as President of CONI (Italian National Olympic Committee) and the potential appointment of a former footballer to his staff are seen as key advantages.
Adding to the electoral landscape, Serie A clubs, representing 18% of the vote, have already expressed their preference for Malagò as their main candidate. Conversely, the LND (Lega Nazionale Dilettanti), which has selected Abete as its president, commands 34% of the votes.
To win the presidency, a candidate must secure an ‘absolute majority,’ which means obtaining more than half of the total votes cast.
English Translation:
A significant day is approaching for the FIGC Presidential election, with the Italian football coaches’ and players’ associations expected to designate their chosen candidate today, Thursday, April 30, 2026. The final vote for the new head of the Italian Football Federation is scheduled for June 22, 2026.
Both potential candidates, Giovanni Malagò and Giancarlo Abete, who have not yet officially declared their candidacy, have already engaged with the various electoral stakeholders in the lead-up to the election.
The associations representing Italian coaches and players hold a combined 30% of the total votes in the election. Coaches contribute 20% of these votes, while players account for the remaining 10%.
According to reports, Malagò is considered the frontrunner in this particular selection process, ahead of Abete. Abete previously served as the FIGC President from 2007 to 2014, stepping down after Italy’s elimination from the World Cup in Brazil.
Several factors are believed to be giving Malagò a slight edge. His successful tenure as President of CONI (Italian National Olympic Committee) and the potential appointment of a former footballer to his staff are seen as key advantages.
Adding to the electoral landscape, Serie A clubs, representing 18% of the vote, have already expressed their preference for Malagò as their main candidate. Conversely, the LND (Lega Nazionale Dilettanti), which has selected Abete as its president, commands 34% of the votes.
To win the presidency, a candidate must secure an ‘absolute majority,’ which means obtaining more than half of the total votes cast.