Giovanni Malagò was elected president of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) with 68.58% of the vote, a mandate that gives him a clear voice to reshape the sport’s governance.
He has described Italian football as 'fossilised' and argues that without structural reforms the game risks external interference, a warning that underscores the urgency of his agenda.
Preparing for Euro 2032
One of the most pressing tasks on his list is preparing five venues for the 2032 European Championship, a tournament Italy will co‑host with Turkiye, a project that demands coordination across regions and levels of government.
A New Eligibility Framework
Malagò also champions a 'birth‑citizenship' rule for players, a measure he says would protect Italy from losing talent to other nations and would reinforce national identity on the pitch.
At the same time, he has drawn attention to the tax burden facing clubs: a 22% VAT is applied to transfers of Italian players within the country, while cross‑border moves escape the levy, creating a financial asymmetry that he wants to address.
Broader Governance Implications
The FIGC chief’s vision extends beyond domestic reforms; he has referenced the roles of UEFA, FIFA, the Italian Olympic Committee and the Lega Nazionale Dilettanti in shaping a more cohesive European football landscape.
His stance signals a willingness to work with international bodies while pushing for changes that could redefine how Italian football operates on and off the field.