Ceferin warns political interference threatens Euro 2032 and UEFA

UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin, in an interview given to, said that Giovanni Malagò’s position at the head of the FIGC is shaky due to alleged irregularities, and warned that Euro 2032 could be at risk because of political interference.

External Interference and Federation Autonomy

“Without entering into legal interpretations, I would like to remind that this is not the first time the issue of external interference in the activity of the Football Federation has been raised,” Ceferin said, adding that FIFA and UEFA have always clearly insisted on the autonomy of federations.

Ceferin then hoped that the competent bodies will soon make a decision in line with the rules of the sporting order, emphasizing that the worsening of the institutional crisis benefits no one.

“We do not intend to prejudice the decisions of the institutions, but the independence of federations and the respect for the will of their members are fundamental principles of the UEFA and FIFA Statutes,” Ceferin reiterated.

He confided that the Italian sporting institutions will be able to find a solution in line with those principles, in the interest of Italian and international football.

Ceferin concluded by stating that he does not wish to comment on hypothetical scenarios, as no decision has yet been made, but he recalled that, as co‑organiser, Italy has a particular responsibility.

He emphasized that preserving the independence of sporting institutions is crucial, because any form of political interference could undermine UEFA’s and partners’ confidence, to the detriment of Italian football and the tournament.