Lega Serie A chief Ezio Simonelli is not mincing words, flat out saying he would’ve liked “a bit more time” for deliberation before Italian football officially yanked its support for Gianni Infantino’s FIFA presidency candidacy. He’s openly distancing himself from the move, and that alone speaks volumes about the internal dynamics rocking the sport right now.
A Solo Call, Not A Collective Play
Simonelli made it crystal clear where the responsibility for this bombshell decision truly lies. He confirmed that FIGC President Giovanni Malagò informed him of this intention just “last night.” But when pressed on whether this was a collective process, Simonelli was direct: “it’s not a decision of the FIGC, it’s a decision of the federal president.” That’s a massive statement right there. Simonelli even pointed out he has no idea if other “components” or “stakeholders” within the Italian football structure were even told before the announcement was made. This isn’t just about one vote; it’s about how decisions are actually made, and who’s really in the loop.
Friendship And Favors: Simonelli’s Loyalty Revealed
Beyond the procedural issues, Simonelli dropped another intriguing note: his personal connection to Infantino. He flat out said, “Personally I believe I am a friend of Infantino.” He then went on to highlight that Infantino even “did me the courtesy of coming to visit me,” marking the very first time a FIFA president had ever stopped by the Serie A League headquarters in Milan. Simonelli is clearly grateful for that gesture, a personal touch that seems calculated to highlight exactly where his own sympathies sit in this whole situation. It’s a sharp contrast to the abrupt decision made by Malagò.
So, what’s next for Italian football? With Simonelli publicly questioning the process and showing his loyalty to Infantino, you gotta wonder if this solo decision by Malagò is just the start of some serious internal friction. Keep your eyes peeled on how this plays out, because the implications for leadership within the sport are huge.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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