Simonelli Questions Infantino Support Withdrawal: ‘I Would Have Taken More Time’

FolioPitch.com – 27 August 2026 | The Italian football world has been shaken by the sudden decision of the FIGC to withdraw its support for Gianni Infantino‘s FIFA presidency bid, a move that has not sat well with Ezio Simonelli, the president of the Lega Serie A. In a statement that has quickly become the talking point of Italian football, Simonelli expressed his reservations, saying, “Lega chief Simonelli on Infantino decision I would have taken a bit more time.” This candid admission came during the presentation of the Gran Gala del Calcio AIC, where Simonelli was approached by reporters eager to dissect the surprising turn of events.

The decision to pull backing for Infantino was confirmed by the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) just a day prior, leaving many within the sport’s hierarchy scrambling to understand the rationale. Simonelli revealed that the FIGC President Giovanni Malagò had informed him of this intention only the night before the official announcement. “Lega chief Simonelli on Infantino decision I would have taken a bit more time,” he reiterated, emphasizing his belief that the timing was rushed and that a more measured approach would have been prudent. His words suggest a clear divergence from the path chosen by Malagò, even as the federation presents a united front to the outside world.

The implications of Italy withdrawing support from Infantino are significant, particularly given Infantino’s status as a powerful figure in global football. Simonelli was pressed on whether the decision had been a collective one, and his response was pointed. “It’s not a decision of the FIGC, it’s a decision of the federal president,” he stated. This clarification indicates that the move was made unilaterally by Malagò, without a formal consensus from the various components of Italian football. Simonelli further confessed that while he had been informed of the decision, he could not confirm whether other stakeholders, including club representatives and league officials, had been given the same courtesy. This raises serious questions about the consultative processes within the FIGC, especially on matters of such international importance.

Simonelli’s public distancing himself from the decision is notable for several reasons. Firstly, it exposes a potential rift between the leadership of the Serie A league and the federation president. Secondly, it underscores the personal relationships that often influence political decisions in football. Simonelli did not shy away from expressing his personal affinity for Infantino, describing him as a friend. “Personally I believe I am a friend of Infantino,” he said. “He also did me the courtesy of coming to visit me. For the first time a FIFA president came to the Serie A League headquarters in Milan, and I’m grateful to him for that.”

The backdrop to this controversy is the ongoing race for the FIFA presidency, with Infantino seeking reelection. Italy’s support had been considered a given, given the strong ties between the FIGC and FIFA in recent years. The sudden withdrawal, therefore, comes as a shock not only to Infantino’s camp but also to many within Italian football who see it as a strategic mistake. Simonelli’s comments reflect a broader concern that the decision was made without adequate consultation, potentially leaving Italy isolated on the international stage.

Observers note that Simonelli’s language is carefully chosen. He does not openly condemn the decision, but his repeated emphasis on the need for more time sends a clear message of disapproval. The phrase “Lega chief Simonelli on Infantino decision I would have taken a bit more time” has become a kind of refrain in his public statements, and it encapsulates his position perfectly. He is not saying the decision is wrong in principle, but rather that the process was flawed. This nuanced criticism allows him to maintain a working relationship with Malagò while signaling to Infantino and the wider football community that he was not a party to the move.

The timing of the announcement is also questionable. With the Gran Gala del Calcio AIC taking place, a celebration of Italian football’s finest, dragging politics into the spotlight seems inopportune. Simonelli’s decision to speak on the matter at the event suggests that he is willing to use any platform to make his views known. He appears to be positioning himself as a more conciliatory figure, one who values diplomatic relations over sudden, disruptive actions.

For Infantino, the loss of Italian support could be a blow, but it is not necessarily fatal. He remains a popular figure among many football associations, and his track record may see him through. However, the symbolism of Italy, a major football nation, turning away is not lost on anyone. Simonelli’s friendship with Infantino may serve as a bridge in the coming days, as attempts to smooth over the rift may be made behind the scenes. Yet, the public nature of Simonelli’s comments makes it harder to dismiss the incident as a minor misunderstanding.

The coming weeks will likely reveal more about the internal dynamics of Italian football’s decision-making. Will other FIGC components voice similar concerns? Will there be an attempt to revisit the decision? For now, Simonelli’s stance provides a counterpoint to Malagò’s authoritative move. It also highlights a generational or stylistic difference in leadership: one that favors decisive, top-down action versus another that prefers collective deliberation.

In conclusion, the controversy over Italy’s withdrawal of support for Infantino has not only exposed a lack of consensus but also demonstrated the importance of personal relationships in football governance. Simonelli’s comment, “Lega chief Simonelli on Infantino decision I would have taken a bit more time,” is more than just a personal preference; it is a critique of the process and a plea for more inclusive decision-making. Whether this will lead to a change in approach remains to be seen. For now, Italian football finds itself in an uncomfortable spotlight, with the world watching to see how this internal discord unfolds. The words of Simonelli have certainly added a layer of complexity to an already delicate situation, and they will likely be remembered as a pivotal moment in the run-up to the FIFA presidential vote.