Paolo Maldini Resigns from FIGC After 16 Days in Office
AC Milan legend Paolo Maldini has reportedly resigned from his position as Technical Director of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC). The decision shocked the Italian football community, as Maldini had only served in the role for 16 days.
As reported by Football Italia, Maldini did not leave alone. He reportedly resigned alongside Leonardo, who had previously been appointed as his advisor and partner in the Italian football reform project.
The resignations are believed to have stemmed from differing views regarding the direction of the Italian national team’s development. The position of Technical Director was recently created by the FIGC with the aim of granting greater authority to overhaul the national football structure, from youth levels to the senior team.
Maldini was previously entrusted with bringing about major changes to the Italian football system. Along with Leonardo, the former AC Milan captain was tasked with building a new identity for the Azzurri after the national team’s performance in recent years had come under scrutiny.
However, these plans began to face obstacles when the search for a new Italian national team coach did not go as expected. Two prominent candidates, Carlo Ancelotti and Pep Guardiola, were reportedly unwilling to take the position.
After failing to secure two leading candidates, Maldini and Leonardo then proposed several alternatives, one of which was Andrea Pirlo. However, the proposal was rejected by the FIGC.
Pirlo’s rejection was reportedly related to his status as an ambassador for the Russian gambling company, Fonbet. The FIGC considered this involvement to have the potential to raise ethical issues, given that Italian regulations prohibit the promotion of gambling in sporting activities.
The differences in opinion regarding the new Italian national team coach ultimately widened the gap between Maldini and the federation. This situation forced the newly designed reform project to be halted before it could progress further.
Maldini’s departure was a significant blow to the FIGC, given his stellar reputation in Italian football. The federation must now find a new figure to fill this strategic position and continue its agenda of improving national football.
