Gravina announces new Federation election for November 4

FIGC President Gabriele Gravina refused to resign and stood by Italy coach Luciano Spalletti, but has now called an election on November 4.

The President sat next to Spalletti in a press conference following the dismal showing at EURO 2024, which saw the Azzurri crash out to Switzerland in the Round of 16.

Both faced calls to resign, especially Gravina, but insisted that when Spalletti was appointed in September 2023 to replace Roberto Mancini, it was a multi-year project that would therefore continue.

Now the Federation has announced the date of elections set for November 4 in Rome, which will also appoint federal councillors.

Gravina to seek new term

Gravina will turn 71 in October and has been President of the Italian Football Federation since October 2018.

He is also one of the vice-presidents of UEFA.

The FIGC chief irritated some in Italian football when trying to suggest that clubs in Serie A and B, the number of foreign players and the lack of investment in youth academies was behind the recent failure of the Nazionale.

Minister for Sport Andrea Abodi has been notably silent on Italy’s elimination from EURO 2024 so far, but the Government has to be careful it is not seen to be interfering with the independence of sport.