Italy's football federation faces pressure after third World Cup miss
FIGC president Gravina considers resignation following Italy's failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, as government officials demand leadership change.
2:10 PM
Italy's football federation confronts a political and institutional crisis following the national team's failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup in Zenica, marking the third consecutive absence from the tournament's final phase.
FIGC president Gabriele Gravina said he would consider his resignation, with the matter to be evaluated by the federation's council. Gravina announced he had requested that coach Gattuso remain in his position and convened a meeting for April 2 to address the crisis and resignation question.
Government officials have intensified pressure on the federation leadership. Andrea Abodi, representing the government, called on Gravina to resign and asked the Italian National Olympic Committee (CONI) to consider placing the FIGC under commissioner administration. Abodi stated that the legal grounds for such a move exist.
The fallout extends across Italian society. Politicians have issued sharp criticism, with descriptions of the elimination as an "apocalypse" and "shame" circulating widely. Fans protested outside FIGC headquarters, throwing eggs at the building. Athletes from other sports and veteran figures in Italian football have joined calls for accountability, though few have offered public defenses of the federation's leadership.
No previous world champion nation had experienced such a prolonged absence from World Cup qualification. The federation faces calls for fundamental restructuring and renewal, though no consensus has emerged on the specific path forward—whether through resignations, commissioner administration, or systemic reforms.
Gravina has scheduled a federal council meeting to formally address the crisis and the question of his continued leadership.