Today marks a pivotal moment in Italian football as the Associations of Italian footballers and coaches are set to choose their candidate for the FIGC Presidential election. With the vote for the new Italian FA Chief scheduled for June 22, 2026, the groundwork is being laid now, and all eyes are on two prominent figures: Giovanni Malagò and Giancarlo Abete.
According to reports from Gazzetta, the players' and coaches' associations are expected to announce their preferred candidate today, Thursday, April 30, 2026. While neither Malagò nor Abete has officially confirmed their candidacy, both have already engaged with the key stakeholders who will cast votes in the upcoming election.
Malagò, who currently serves as President of the Organising Committee for the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, appears to be the frontrunner. His successful tenure as President of CONI (Italian National Olympic Committee) has earned him widespread respect, and the potential appointment of a former footballer to his staff is seen as a strategic move that could sway undecided voters. Abete, who previously served as FIGC President from 2007 to 2014—stepping down after Italy's World Cup elimination in Brazil—is mounting a comeback bid but faces an uphill battle.
The stakes are high because the coach and player associations collectively hold 30% of the total votes: coaches account for 20%, while players represent the remaining 10%. This bloc could prove decisive in a tightly contested race.
Serie A clubs, which wield 18% of the votes, have already thrown their support behind Malagò. Meanwhile, the Lega Nazionale Dilettanti (LND), representing amateur football, has chosen Abete as their candidate and commands a significant 34% of the votes. Victory in the FIGC Presidential election requires an absolute majority—meaning half plus one of the total votes—so every percentage point matters.
As Italian football looks to chart its next chapter, today's decision by the players and coaches could set the tone for the entire election. Whether it's Malagò's Olympic pedigree or Abete's experience at the helm, the choice will shape the future of the sport in Italy for years to come.