Evelina Christillin decries FIFA politicisation and backs Conte as Italy misses World Cup

Former UEFA and FIFA board member Evelina Christillin told La Gazzetta dello Sport that FIFA has become overly politicised, citing recent controversies such as the Balogun case and the organisation’s ties to former US President Donald Trump. She argued that "rules should not be bent by anyone, not even politics".

Christillin said Italy’s repeated failure to qualify for the World Cup is damaging, adding that every match she watches makes her wonder why the Azzurri are absent. She praised the new FIGC president Giovanni Malagò and supported the idea of appointing Paolo Maldini as a technical director. Regarding the national team, she called Antonio Conte "the best person to restart" the side, describing him as a motivating leader with the right character.

Her comments highlight growing concerns about governance in world football and call for reforms in youth investment and infrastructure to revive Italian football after the third consecutive missed World Cup qualification.