Ceferin Warns on Political Interference at FIGC

Aleksander Ceferin has warned that political interference in Italian football risks undermining trust in the country ahead of Euro 2032, as the FIGC moves closer to being placed under special administration.

Giovanni Malagò was elected FIGC president in June, but his position has proved shaky. CONI is expected to remove him in the coming weeks after it emerged he did not formally hold FIGC membership, a requirement for anyone standing for the presidency. That technicality has opened the door to special administration for Italian football's governing body.

The UEFA president, speaking to Gazzetta, addressed the wider pattern behind the crisis.

«Without delving into legal interpretations, I want to remind everyone that this is not the first time external interference in the Football Federation’s activities has arisen,».

He added that FIFA and UEFA have consistently insisted on the autonomy of national federations, and said he expects a swift resolution. "The worsening institutional crisis benefits no one," Ceferin said, adding that UEFA does not intend to prejudge the outcome but expects Italian sports institutions to respect the independence of federations and the will of their members.

Asked directly whether special administration at the FIGC could affect Italy's role as Euro 2032 co-host, alongside Turkey, Ceferin declined to speculate. "I do not intend to comment on hypothetical scenarios. No decision has been made yet," he said, though he stressed that co-hosting carries "a particular responsibility" and that preserving the independence of sports institutions matters for that reason.

If CONI does move against Malagò, the FIGC would face months of administration at a time when it is meant to be preparing jointly with Turkey for the 2032 tournament. Ceferin's remarks suggest UEFA sees the timing, rather than the legal mechanics, as the real risk to that partnership.