AIC and AIAC nominate Adriano Galliani for FIGC presidency

Adriano Galliani Enters FIGC Presidential Race Backed by Players and Coaches

The race for the presidency of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) has shifted following a formal intervention from the nation’s players’ and coaches’ associations. Sportmediaset reported that the Italian Footballers’ Association (AIC) and the Italian Association of Football Coaches (AIAC) have finalized the collection of required signatures to nominate Adriano Galliani for the FIGC presidency ahead of the elective federal assembly scheduled for Dec. 14.

Federation Elections Ignite Division Across Italian Football

The emergence of Galliani as a candidate sets up a contested election against incumbent sports executive Giovanni Malagò, marking a stark departure from the unity previously anticipated within Italian sport administration. Earlier months had pointed toward a smooth transition under Malagò following his election through the Italian National Olympic Committee (CONI). However, friction surfaced as certain Serie A clubs hesitated to back Malagò’s continued leadership, prompting a search for an alternative eleventh club endorsement.

While Malagò secured prominent backing from clubs such as AS Roma, AIC and AIAC threw their institutional weight behind Galliani. In a joint statement reported by Zazoom and FCInter1908, the two bodies described their nomination as an important opportunity rooted in historical values, extensive experience, and demonstrated on-field results, entrusting the 82-year-old executive with an agenda focused on structural reform.

Deadlines and Institutional Next Steps

Official lists of candidates must be submitted by Nov. 4, a date coinciding with Italy’s National Unity and Armed Forces Day. The juxtaposition highlights an increasingly tense political climate within the federation as voting blocks divide between Serie A’s alignment with Malagò and the unified stance of players and coaches supporting Galliani. Meanwhile, other potential figures, such as Lega Nazionale Dilettanti president Sibilia or similar administrative figures, have navigated changing electoral dynamics, leaving the contest sharply polarized between the two main camps ahead of the Dec. 14 ballot.

More on this story: Galliani emerges as potential FIGC president candidate, says Fatto · Giovanni Malagò registers with Aniene to run for FIGC presidency