Ezio Maria Simonelli, President of Lega Serie A, has asserted that top-flight clubs must assume a pivotal role in the comprehensive reforms sweeping Italian football. This demand comes in the wake of Italy’s failure to qualify for the World Cup and the subsequent resignation of Federation President Gabriele Gravina.
Italy’s inability to defeat Bosnia and Herzegovina in the play-offs, marking their third consecutive absence from the World Cup, has triggered a significant upheaval within Italian football governance. Federation President Gravina has already stepped down, followed by Italy’s delegation chief Gigi Buffon, with coach Gennaro Gattuso also anticipated to depart.
An election for a new FIGC President is slated for June 22. The 274 delegates will cast their votes under a specific system: Serie A holds 18% of the influence, Serie B 6%, Lega Pro 12%, the Amateur League (LND) 34%, the Players’ Association 20%, and the Coaches’ Association 10%.
Lega Serie A Aims to Guide Reforms
Simonelli conveyed his vision to reporters, stating, “As Lega Serie A, we must take a leading role, guiding all the teams. Like every fan, we are disappointed, but we need to focus on reforms, youth development, strengthening club governance, and enhancing club assets to restore our former glory.”
Notably, Lega Serie A had previously opposed a key reform proposed by Gravina: reducing the top flight from 20 to 18 clubs. While several candidates are being discussed for the FIGC Presidency, former CONI (Italian Olympic Committee) head Giovanni Malagò appears to be the frontrunner. However, the Lega Serie A President insisted, “We did not even discuss names during the meeting.”