Malagò Common Sense Prevails: New FIGC Election Set for December 14

FolioPitch.com – 06 October 2026 | In a dramatic turn of events that has reshaped the leadership of Italian football, Giovanni Malagò has been appointed as FIGC Special Commissioner, and he declared that ‘Malagò Common sense prevailed new FIGC election on December 14’ will mark the next chapter for the federation. The announcement came after a tense meeting with CONI President Luciano Buonfiglio on Tuesday, ending weeks of speculation and political infighting.

Malagò, who previously won the FIGC presidential election in June with nearly 70% of the vote, had been in limbo because he was not a formal FIGC member when he stood for election. That technicality triggered a broader confrontation between supporters of Malagò and Buonfiglio, with the latter originally planning to appoint a different special commissioner. However, after a heated debate, the CONI National Council unanimously approved Malagò’s appointment, a decision that Malagò described as a victory for common sense.

“I believe that each of you, everyone who has followed the matter, can judge whether there’s a winner and a loser. Or maybe there isn’t either,” Malagò told reporters. “To say that there have been misunderstandings seems an understatement to me. I received a call from President Buonfiglio yesterday. As you know, I was in Emilia Romagna [for Italy vs. Turkiye], and he asked me to meet today. I was fully available. There was a proposal, which I’m happy to share, and it has been confirmed by all the colleagues.”

The dispute had escalated into a wider political battle, with La Gazzetta dello Sport reporting that Buonfiglio’s own vote could have been challenged due to a potential conflict of interest—his son works for a company that manages Venezia’s marketing and new stadium project. Malagò, however, chose to take the high road, accepting the role “for the love of sport, CONI, and out of respect for my colleagues, to avoid further division and embarrassment.”

With the appointment now official, Malagò confirmed that new presidential elections will be held on December 14. “Today is October 6, and new elections can’t take place for 60 days, so not until December 7. However, the first available date is December 14, so we’ll hold the election then and won’t lose time,” he explained. The keyword ‘Malagò Common sense prevailed new FIGC election on December 14’ has become a rallying cry for those who support his leadership, and Malagò himself repeated it as a testament to the resolution of the crisis.

When asked if he still has the backing of the FIGC components, Malagò replied confidently: “I don’t know how you can think otherwise. I’ve met several components, and they’ve all confirmed their full trust. I don’t know what more I can do.” He also took a subtle dig at Buonfiglio, noting the irony of the membership requirement versus conflict-of-interest rules: “It’s funny because, on the one hand, it says you must be a member, but on the other hand, it also says you must not have a conflict of interest with any club. It’s a funny thing, but I’m not sure Italians had much fun. Objectively, it was tough, sad, and embarrassing, but this is life. We face everything with strength and serenity.”

On the sporting front, Malagò has already made his mark by appointing Roberto Mancini as Italy’s new head coach. The Azzurri have since collected two wins, one draw, and one loss in their four games during the international break. “I’m really happy because I see the Italians are starting to be that way,” Malagò concluded. “It’s just the beginning; there will be tough moments, but I can see growing enthusiasm.”

The road to December 14 will be crucial for the future of Italian football. With Malagò at the helm as special commissioner, the FIGC can now focus on stabilization and preparation for the upcoming elections. The ‘Malagò Common sense prevailed new FIGC election on December 14’ narrative underscores a moment of reconciliation, but challenges remain. The federation must address the underlying tensions that led to this crisis and ensure a transparent electoral process. As Malagò himself acknowledged, common sense has prevailed, but the real work begins now. Italian football fans will be watching closely, hoping that this resolution brings the unity and progress that the sport desperately needs.