Andrea Abodi addresses Malagò registration controversy

Italian Minister for Sport and Youth, Andrea Abodi, has addressed the ongoing controversy regarding Giovanni Malagò, the president of the Italian Football Federation. The issue concerns Malagò’s failure to complete registration requirements at the time of his candidacy. Abodi stated that the CONI (Italian National Olympic Committee) must evaluate certain formal aspects of the case, noting that “form is substance” and rules must be respected by those who create them.

Abodi expressed a desire to move beyond the polarization of this single issue and urged for working groups to address broader systemic problems within the sporting sector. He noted that while the situation appears suspended pending a CONI evaluation expected in the coming days, other necessary progress should not be halted.

Regarding the Italian national football team’s performance in the Nations League following a loss to Belgium, Abodi called for patience. He emphasized that building a new cycle requires time and tranquility to allow players to demonstrate their value.