Giovanni Malagò has registered as a sports manager with the Rome-based futsal club Circolo Canottieri Aniene, securing the official affiliation required to run for the presidency of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC), Gazzetta reported.

Giovanni Malagò Registers With Circolo Canottieri Aniene to Clear FIGC Candidacy Hurdle

The registration resolves a key regulatory requirement for the upcoming leadership vote. Under FIGC rules, candidates for the federation’s highest office must hold an active accreditation or membership within one of the sport’s recognized internal components to prove direct ties to the football world, according to Gazzetta. Because Malagò previously lacked this formal credential, the federation had been placed under extraordinary administration.

Malagò serves as the honorary president of Circolo Canottieri Aniene, a sports club that re-affiliated with the Italian Football Federation ahead of the current sporting season and now fields a team in the regional Serie D futsal championship, Gazzetta reported. Within the club’s setup, Malagò will act as an accompanying team manager for the futsal squad.

Futsal Connections and Broad Support From Serie A Clubs Ahead of December Vote

The club’s futsal division gained wider attention following the appointment of national team coach Roberto Mancini, who frequently participates in local club tournaments alongside Malagò, Gazzetta reported. Over the summer, the pair won the Over-60 Coppa Canottieri tournament, defeating a Canottieri Lazio side led by former player Bruno Giordano in the final.

With the required membership now secured, attention turns to the ballot box. Gazzetta reported that Serie A clubs have already confirmed their full backing for Malagò’s presidential campaign. The extraordinary commissioner role is designed strictly to manage day-to-day federation business and guide the governing body through an interim period until regular governance is restored.

The elective assembly to choose the next permanent president of the Italian Football Federation is officially scheduled for Monday, December 14, 2026, marking the date when the interim administration concludes and a permanent leader takes office.