Eligibility Question Referred to ANAC
The Italian sporting world faces a period of uncertainty after the Collegio di Garanzia dello Sport at CONI announced it does not have jurisdiction to rule on the alleged ineligibility of Giovanni Malagò for the presidency of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC). In a statement released late Monday evening, the Collegio declared that verifying the preliminary question of eligibility falls outside its competence, referring the matter instead to the National Anti-Corruption Authority (ANAC).
The decision has significant implications for the upcoming FIGC elections scheduled for June 22. The Collegio noted in its ruling that assessing article 3 of the internal organisational norms concerning eligibility apparently exceeds the boundaries of its authority, effectively creating a procedural bottleneck with just weeks before the vote.
Abodi Urges Swift Resolution
Sports Minister Andrea Abodi expressed hope that ANAC would deliver its opinion before the June 22 deadline. The respect for the process is absolute, he stated, acknowledging that the timeline would ultimately be determined by the Authority given the depth of examination required. Abodi emphasised that the matter deserves thorough investigation, though he acknowledged the tight timeframe before the FIGC elections.
The uncertainty also affects Marco Buonfiglio’s candidacy, with Abodi suggesting that the former FIGC vice-president faces particularly stringent timing constraints should ANAC’s ruling be delayed beyond the election date. The situation has created an unusual dynamic where the governing body responsible for sporting justice has essentially passed the decision to an external oversight entity.
Broader Implications for Italian Football Governance
Malagò has been a dominant figure in Italian sports administration, serving as CONI president since 2013 and playing a central role in Italian football governance. The question of his eligibility stems from concerns about term limits and the accumulation of leadership positions across multiple sporting bodies. The FIGC presidency carries significant influence over Italian football’s direction, including broadcast rights negotiations, youth development programs, and the federation’s relationship with UEFA and FIFA.
The Collegio’s referral to ANAC adds a layer of administrative complexity to what is already a pivotal moment for Italian football. The federation is navigating challenges including the national team’s preparations for international competitions, ongoing reforms to the domestic league structure, and financial sustainability measures for clubs across Serie A, B, and C.
Football administrators and club representatives have been watching the eligibility question closely, recognising that the outcome could reshape the leadership landscape ahead of the elections. With multiple candidates potentially affected by the timing of ANAC’s ruling, the coming weeks will be crucial for determining who will guide Italian football through its next chapter.
