# Italian Football Federation leadership controversy > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/italian-football-federation-leadership-controversy > Updated: 2026-09-11T17:22:44.000Z. Sources: 23. Developments: 5. In August 2026, FIGC President Giovanni Malagò initiated an organizational restructuring, appointing Alessandro Catapano as presidential spokesperson and Luca Bergamini as head of staff. Following these appointments, CONI General Prosecutor Ugo Taucer requested that FIGC Federal Prosecutor Giuseppe Chinè open an official proceeding into the legality of Malagò’s election. The inquiry, prompted by a complaint from lawyer and former Lazio player Renato Miele, seeks to determine if Malagò met mandatory registration requirements under Article 29 of the FIGC Statute during the June 22 elections. In September 2026, Federal Prosecutor Chinè confirmed in a report that Malagò lacked the mandatory membership requirement stipulated in the statutes at the time of his election. While Chinè proposed archiving the case by citing past practices where candidate memberships were not strictly verified, the legal implications remain significant. On September 8, 2026, General Prosecutor of Sport Ugo Taucer rejected the FIGC Prosecutor’s request to archive the investigation. Taucer noted that while Malagò participates in amateur football at Circolo Canottieri Aniene, that club is affiliated with other sports federations—such as swimming, rowing, and sailing—rather than the FIGC. Taucer has requested further clarifications and arguments from Chinè regarding the decision to seek archiving. Malagò has responded to the intensifying investigation by stating he is “very, very calm,” suggesting the inquiry is driven by political opposition and selective interpretation of rules rather than technical irregularities. On September 11, 2026, Malagò reaffirmed at an event in Milan that his election was “valid and regular,” describing the contestation of his leadership as a normal part of the political process. He further emphasized his role as an elected representative of civil society acting as a volunteer to defend sport and football. ## Claims - Ugo Taucer rejected the FIGC Prosecutor's request to archive the investigation into Giovanni Malagò's membership status. (corroborated by 9 sources) - Ugo Taucer has requested further clarifications and arguments from the FIGC Prosecutor, Giuseppe Chinè. (corroborated by 7 sources) - Article 29 of the FIGC Statute requires candidates to be in compliance with membership registration at the time of their candidacy. (corroborated by 5 sources) - Lawyer and former Lazio player Renato Miele filed the initial complaint regarding the election process. (corroborated by 5 sources) - Giovanni Malagò was not registered with the FIGC at the time of his candidacy, despite playing at Circolo Canottieri Aniene. (corroborated by 4 sources) - Giovanni Malagò expressed that he is calm and unconcerned regarding the investigation. (corroborated by 3 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-11: Giovanni Malagò defends FIGC election validity FIGC President Giovanni Malagò defended his election as valid and regular, expressing confidence in the federation's new direction and support for coach Roberto Mancini. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/giovanni-malag-defends-figc-election-validity ### 2026-09-08: Giovanni Malagò FIGC presidency investigation continues after CONI prosecutor rejects archiving CONI General Prosecutor Ugo Taucer has rejected the archiving of an investigation into FIGC President Giovanni Malagò’s membership status, demanding further clarification on electoral eligibility. 12 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/giovanni-malag-faces-figc-presidency-risk-after-prosecutor-rejects-archiving ### 2026-09-04: Giovanni Malagò faces potential removal from FIGC presidency Giovanni Malagò’s presidency of the FIGC faces potential invalidation after federal prosecutors confirmed he lacked the required federation membership at the time of his election. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/giovanni-malag-faces-potential-removal-from-figc-presidency ### 2026-08-16: Giovanni Malagò faces investigation into FIGC presidency eligibility An investigation into FIGC President Giovanni Malagò’s eligibility could lead to the annulment of his election and impact the leadership of the Italian national football team. 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/coni-prosecutor-orders-investigation-into-malags-figc-election ### 2026-08-10: FIGC President Giovanni Malagò announces new leadership appointments FIGC President Giovanni Malagò is restructuring the federation, appointing Alessandro Catapano as spokesperson and Luca Bergamini as head of staff to strengthen institutional and media relations. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/figc-president-giovanni-malag-announces-new-leadership-appointments --- Cite as: Italian Football Federation leadership controversy. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/italian-football-federation-leadership-controversy