Rome – Outgoing Italian Football Federation (FIGC) President Gabriele Gravina addressed the ongoing investigation into alleged irregularities within Italian football officiating, while also commenting on the race to succeed him, in an interview with Otto e Mezzo on La 7 on Tuesday. Gravina emphasized his commitment to impartiality in the selection of his replacement and dismissed suggestions of attempting to influence the process, as reported by ANSA.
The comments approach amid a period of significant upheaval for Italian football, with an investigation into alleged match-fixing and improper conduct by referees dominating headlines. Gravina urged caution and adherence to due process, stating, “We should be guarantors…we are throwing mud without knowing anything.” This statement, as reported by La Gazzetta dello Sport, reflects a desire to avoid prejudging the outcome of the investigation and to allow the legal process to unfold.
Regarding the potential candidates to replace him as FIGC President, Gravina specifically mentioned Giancarlo Abete and Gabriele Malagò as “two excellent managers.” However, he firmly stated his intention to remain neutral. “I have solemnly committed to not giving anyone a boost,” Gravina said, according to ANSA. This declaration aims to ensure a fair and transparent election process, free from perceived interference from the outgoing president.
The discussion also touched upon the possibility of Italy being repesched for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Gravina dismissed the idea as “fanciful and shameful,” criticizing those who he believes are exploiting the passion of Italian fans. “They are negotiating on the passion of Italian fans, who are the only ones who deserve to go to the World Cup,” he stated, as reported by Corriere della Sera. This strong rebuke indicates Gravina’s opposition to any attempts to circumvent the standard qualification process.
Gravina also rejected calls for a commissarial intervention within the FIGC, arguing that such a move would violate the autonomy of the sport and contravene the statutes of both UEFA and FIFA. He questioned the motives of those advocating for a takeover, specifically referencing Lazio President Claudio Lotito, who previously served on the Federal Council. “Is it normal that someone who is president of Lazio, who was in the federal council for twenty years, talks about disaster, having left just two years ago since he was defeated?” Gravina asked, as reported by La Gazzetta dello Sport. He stressed the importance of respecting the established structures of Italian football governance.
The outgoing president also addressed speculation about his own future, firmly ruling out a foray into politics. He indicated a desire to focus on personal commitments, stating, “For me, football is a chapter closed, now it’s time to dedicate myself to my grandchildren,” as reported by La Stampa. This suggests Gravina intends to step away from the intense pressures of football administration and prioritize his family life.
The situation surrounding the referee investigation remains fluid, with ongoing inquiries and potential ramifications for numerous individuals involved in Italian football. The election to determine Gravina’s successor is expected to be a closely watched event, with the outcome likely to shape the future direction of the FIGC and Italian football as a whole. The focus now shifts to the candidates vying for the presidency and their respective visions for the sport’s future.
The upcoming election will be crucial for Italian football, as the new president will be tasked with navigating the challenges posed by the ongoing investigation, restoring public trust in the integrity of the game, and ensuring Italy’s continued competitiveness on the international stage. The candidates’ platforms and their ability to address these critical issues will be key factors in determining the outcome of the vote.
The FIGC is currently navigating a complex period, balancing the need for transparency and accountability with the preservation of its autonomy and the integrity of its operations. The outcome of the investigation and the selection of a new president will have far-reaching consequences for the future of Italian football.
Next Up: The FIGC election is expected to take place in the coming weeks. Further details regarding the election process and the candidates’ platforms will be released by the federation in due course. Stay tuned to Archysport for continued coverage of this developing story.
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