Italian soccer chief to step down but retain special administrator role

ROME — Giovanni Malago is to step down as president of Italy's soccer federation but will continue in a restructured capacity as special administrator, according to a compromise reached by the Italian Olympic Committee (CONI) on Tuesday.

The settlement resolves an extended period of administrative instability that has gripped the federation's leadership in recent weeks. CONI's intervention produced a framework that sees Malago exit his current presidential role while maintaining involvement in the organisation's governance structure.

The arrangement represents a middle ground between competing interests within Italian football's administrative hierarchy. By appointing Malago as special administrator, CONI appears to have balanced the need for leadership continuity with demands for executive transition.

The modified governance structure signals an attempt to stabilise operations at the federation following the prolonged period of uncertainty. Malago's appointment as special administrator will see him continue to oversee key administrative functions during the transition period.