Giancarlo Abete Challenges Malagò for FIGC Presidency, Advocates for New Approach

Giancarlo Abete has confirmed his intention to run for the FIGC Presidency, following Giovanni Malagò's nomination backed by Lega Serie A. Abete expressed his belief that a different, more collaborative approach to selecting a candidate would have been preferable.

The day saw the emergence of the first two potential contenders for the FIGC Presidential election. During a Lega Serie A general meeting in Milan, the majority of Serie A clubs selected Giovanni Malagò, former CONI President, as their candidate. Notably, Malagò was chosen before presenting his proposed project, a decision that led to abstentions from Lazio and Hellas Verona.

Abete, who previously served as FIGC President from 2007 to 2014 and currently heads the Lega Nazionale Dilettanti (LND), subsequently declared his candidacy.

Abete Willing to Return as FIGC President

Speaking at the Premio Bearzot in Rome, Abete stated, "I will ask the Board of Directors of the National Amateur League (LND) to grant me the same authority that was granted to President Malagò by the Serie A clubs." He added, "If this is the approach, we’ll follow it. I have already convened the governing bodies of the LND, and I will ask for approval to put forward my availability so that when we come to the table, there are situations in which a plurality of positions is expressed."

"I will go further, and the invitation is for the same to be done by the technical components and other leagues, because we need contributions from all components," Abete continued.

The LND holds 34% of the total votes in the FIGC Presidential election, compared to Serie A's 18%. However, a candidate requires over 50% of the votes to be elected.

While announcing his candidacy, Abete voiced concerns about the selection method employed by Lega Serie A in nominating Malagò. "A different method would have been better. Obviously, a prestigious candidate has been identified, such as Malagò," he commented. "But we must first talk about the issues and then about the people. Because one person alone is not enough to solve the problems of Italian football, whoever that may be. Therefore, we will address the issues and send an initial signal: this candidacy will not remain isolated."