Galliani Gains Key Player and Coach Backing in FIGC Presidential Race Against Malagò

FolioPitch.com – 29 October 2026 | In a significant development that could reshape the leadership of Italian football, Adriano Galliani has received crucial endorsements from the Players’ Association (AIC) and the Coaches’ Association (AIAC), making him a formidable candidate for the FIGC presidency. The move comes as the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) prepares for a fresh election on December 14, following the annulment of Giovanni Malagò’s June victory due to eligibility issues. The official Galliani backed by Players and Coaches to be new FIGC President campaign has gained momentum, with both associations voting to support the 82-year-old former Milan CEO as their candidate.

The AIC and AIAC released a joint statement expressing their confidence in Galliani, citing his extensive experience and track record as a director. “We consider this election an important opportunity in terms of the choice, history, experience and results on the field achieved by Galliani as a director,” the statement read. “He is now ready to share an open and progressive vision for the Federation to pursue reforms that can no longer be deferred.” This endorsement is a major blow to Malagò, who had initially appeared to be the clear favorite after winning the June election with 68.58% of the vote against Giancarlo Abete.

However, that election was declared null and void when it was revealed that Malagò was technically ineligible because he was not a registered member of the FIGC at the time, having arrived from the CONI (Italian Olympic Committee). Consequently, the Federation was placed under a Special Commissioner on October 6—ironically, Malagò himself—until a new election could be held. It was widely assumed that Malagò would run unopposed, but the coalition that backed him has fractured over the past four months, with some Serie A clubs splitting off and now the players and coaches throwing their weight behind Galliani.

Galliani’s candidacy has been further bolstered by his long and distinguished career in Italian football. He served as CEO of Milan under Silvio Berlusconi for over 30 years from 1986 to 2017, overseeing a golden era for the club. He then took on a similar role at Monza from 2018 to 2025, helping the club rise to Serie A. The official Galliani backed by Players and Coaches to be new FIGC President status reflects the widespread recognition of his contributions to the game. Additionally, Galliani was President of the Lega Calcio from 2002 to 2006 and vice-president of the Lega Serie A from 2013 to 2017, giving him a deep understanding of the league’s dynamics.

Beyond football, Galliani has also had a political career, serving as a Senator in the Italian Republic from 2018 to 2022 and again from 2023 to the present day for Berlusconi’s Forza Italia party. His political acumen could prove valuable in navigating the complex landscape of Italian football governance. The official Galliani backed by Players and Coaches to be new FIGC President endorsement from the AIC and AIAC underscores the desire for reform and stability within the Federation.

The upcoming election on December 14 will be a pivotal moment for Italian football. With the support of the players and coaches, Galliani appears to have a strong chance of securing the presidency. However, Malagò, who remains a powerful figure as CONI President, is unlikely to concede without a fight. The fracture in his coalition and the loss of key endorsements may force him to reassess his strategy. The official Galliani backed by Players and Coaches to be new FIGC President narrative is gaining traction, and it remains to be seen whether it will translate into victory at the polls.

In conclusion, the backing of the Players’ Association and Coaches’ Association represents a significant shift in the FIGC presidential race. Galliani’s experience, vision, and broad support base position him as a strong contender to lead Italian football through a period of reform. As the December 14 election approaches, all eyes will be on whether the official Galliani backed by Players and Coaches to be new FIGC President momentum can carry him to the presidency and bring stability to a federation that has been in turmoil.