Calm amid probe: Giovanni Malagò faces FIGC candidacy investigation
Giovanni Malagò says he remains calm as the federal prosecutor opens an investigation into the regularity of his candidacy for the presidency of the FIGC, ahead of the upcoming FIGC elections. He told reporters he trusts the process and will cooperate fully with the authorities.
Federal probe into candidacy requirements
Il Corriere della Sera reported that the investigation is being conducted by the Procura federale. Offices led by Giuseppe Chinè are examining whether the Statuto requirements were met at the moment of Malagò’s election. The number one of the Federcalcio is now required to account for his registration status.
The probe will determine if Malagò possessed all the criteria stipulated by the Statuto when he submitted his candidacy. The central issue concerns the regularity of his registration, which could constitute a breach of the rules governing access to the office. However, any irregularity does not automatically invalidate his election or subsequent decisions of the Federation.
Complaint origin and legal background
The case originates from an exposé filed by lawyer Renato Miele, a former Lazio player who previously attempted to run for the Federation’s leadership. Miele’s own candidacy never reached a vote because he lacked the necessary support from the electoral assembly. After his appeal against exclusion was rejected, he redirected his focus onto Malagò’s registration. The general sports prosecutor of CONI, Ugo Taucer, formally invited the Procura federale to deepen the investigation.
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Regularity of registration may involve the absence of disciplinary suspensions and the fulfilment of all obligations imposed by the sporting regulations. The federal prosecutor will reconstruct Malagò’s position in detail to assess compliance. This assessment will clarify whether any elements justify further action.
A similar complaint was lodged against former FIGC president Gabriele Gravina, also concerning registration issues. That matter was handled by Chinè and Taucer and ultimately resulted in dismissal. The precedent does not determine the outcome of the current procedure, which will be judged on its own facts.
Malagò continues to express serenity while awaiting the final verification of his candidacy’s regularity. He also noted that the investigation into Malag’s registration and Chin’s review are proceeding without prejudice to his duties.