CONI and FIGC leaders prepare compromise to avert Italian football federation takeover

Compromise talks ahead of the executive vote

The executive board of the Italian National Olympic Committee (CONI) will convene on Tuesday, 6 October 2026, to decide whether the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) will be placed under special administration. Ahead of the formal session, CONI President Luciano Buonfiglio will meet FIGC President Giovanni Malagò on Tuesday morning to discuss a potential settlement designed to avert a split within the executive committee. Under the negotiated proposal, CONI would formally place the federation under administration while simultaneously appointing Malagò himself as extraordinary commissioner. This arrangement will maintain administrative continuity for roughly 90 days until fresh presidential elections are organized, during which Malagò will run with a validated federation membership.

Legal battle over membership validity

The governance dispute stems from Malagò's lack of formal membership registration within the FIGC when he submitted his candidacy for the federation presidency. The procedural defect surfaced following an appeal lodged by lawyer Miele, prompting CONI to commission four independent legal opinions, including an assessment by jurist Franco Scoca, to determine if the breach constitutes a serious violation of sports regulations. The FIGC countered by submitting five opposing legal assessments, prepared by experts including Sabino Cassese and Bernardo Mattarella, which argue against automatic intervention. Both sides acknowledge the procedural irregularity, leaving the executive board with broad discretion to judge whether imposing external administration is a proportionate response.

Executive board voting procedures

The CONI Giunta will gather at 13:00 in Rome with 17 members participating either in person or remotely, followed an hour later by the 81-member National Council. Secretary General Carlo Mornati will oversee the meeting in a notary capacity without casting a ballot, while Malagò is expected to recuse himself during the vote due to his direct involvement. Scrutiny will focus on the participation of Vice President Diana Bianchedi, who recently resigned as FIGC delegation head, and technical representative Elisabet Spina, an employee of AC Milan. The measure requires a simple majority to pass, and a tied vote will result in the immediate rejection of the administration proposal.

Serie A opposition and governance fallout

Lega Serie A announced its firm opposition to any intervention following a club meeting on 5 October, reiterating its backing for Malagò, who secured 68.58% of the vote in his election. Top-flight clubs warned that appointing external administrators risks destabilizing the governance of domestic football and generating appeals through administrative courts. The league formally called on sports authorities to respect the institutional autonomy of the sport.

Lega Calcio Serie A dissociates and distances itself from the apparent legal dispute, of which it does not understand the legal foundations and political reasons. Giovanni Malagò, candidate in the first place for Serie A, was elected with a large margin and Serie A itself continues to show him complete support. While respecting the principles and rules of the Federation and CONI, Lega Calcio Serie A considers the administration completely inappropriate, also because it could lead football into chaos, in a very delicate phase. In light of the clear position expressed by UEFA, respect for the autonomy of Italian football is recommended and hoped for.

The final determination on Tuesday will establish whether CONI proceeds with a contested ballot or adopts the 90-day transition agreement before the National Council convenes.