Italy Legend Gianni Rivera Ready to Lead FIGC, Cites 'Specific Agenda'

Italian football icon Gianni Rivera, a Ballon d'Or winner and a revered figure, has informally declared his readiness to become the next president of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC). This significant announcement coincided with Gabriele Gravina's resignation, prompted by Italy's third consecutive elimination from the World Cup. The 82-year-old, who made history in 1969 as the first Italian to clinch the Ballon d'Or, revealed his aspirations during the radio program "Caffè" on Rai Radio 1 Sport.

"I am prepared to assume the FIGC presidency because I possess a meticulously crafted program, developed alongside close associates, including the son of Angelo Sormani," Rivera stated. "It represents a model we are diligently studying and preparing, which could potentially prove highly beneficial for the federation."

Rivera: "Italy's World Cup Qualification Failure is No Surprise"

The former AC Milan maestro spoke openly about the profound challenges gripping Italian football. "There's absolutely no reason to be surprised by our failure to qualify for the World Cup; I must be honest about that," he asserted. "Currently, we face grave issues that are proving exceptionally difficult to surmount. Our performance has clearly demonstrated our inability to overcome them."

Prospective candidates for the presidency must submit their formal documentation by June 7, with the election slated for June 22. The FIGC presidency is determined by an assembly of 516 weighted votes, distributed among various Italian football stakeholder groups. The Lega Nazionale Dilettanti commands the largest share at 34%, followed by the players' association at 20%, Serie A clubs at 18%, coaches at 10%, Lega Pro at 12%, and Serie B at 6%. A candidate needs an absolute majority of valid votes, including blank ballots, to secure the position.

While Rivera's candidacy remains unofficial, the entry of such an iconic figure into the race injects an intriguing dynamic into what is anticipated to be a fiercely contested battle to redefine the sport's governance.