ROME — Serie A clubs have unanimously endorsed Giovanni Malago, current president of the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics organizing committee, as their preferred candidate for the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) presidency, multiple sources confirmed Wednesday.
The 64-year-old sports administrator, who previously headed Italy’s National Olympic Committee from 2013-2021, emerged as the consensus choice during closed-door meetings between club representatives. His candidacy comes at a pivotal moment for Italian football as it navigates stadium renovations, media rights negotiations, and financial sustainability challenges.
“Malago brings unique experience bridging political, sporting and commercial interests,” said one club executive speaking anonymously due to the sensitivity of ongoing negotiations. “His Olympic credentials demonstrate he can deliver complex projects under international scrutiny.”
The FIGC presidency election, scheduled for March 2027, will determine leadership for the 2026-2030 cycle encompassing Italy’s joint hosting of the 2032 European Championship with Turkey. Analysts note Malago’s potential appointment could signal greater alignment between domestic football interests and Italy’s broader sports infrastructure ambitions.
However, the election process remains contentious, with some regional football associations reportedly favoring candidates with deeper roots in the federation’s technical programs rather than high-profile administrators.