Gabriele Gravina has been re-elected as president of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) with a landslide 98.68% of the votes, securing 481,084 votes out of 487,500 during the elective assembly in Rome. Gravina, who was the only candidate, now begins his third term at the helm of Italian football.
First elected in 2018 with 97.2% of the vote, he was re-elected in 2021 after securing 73.45% against challenger Cosimo Sibilia. Quoting Henry Ford after his re-election, Gravina said: “Coming together is a beginning, staying together is progress, and working together is success.” Gravina stressed the importance of unity and collaboration as Italian football focuses on its key objectives, including qualification for the 2026 World Cup. “Do I feel the pressure to qualify? I experience the same anxiety as all Italians,” he said. “However, I do not want to pass that anxiety on to the coach or the players. Our goal is to gather all possible energy and qualify for the World Cup in America.” He also revealed that he had briefly considered not running for re-election. “In October 2023, during the match in Bari, I communicated that I did not intend to run again. It was a personal decision, but many within the federation reminded me of the trust placed in me in 2018, and they felt betrayed by my initial choice,” he said. Gravina added that he had no regrets about his leadership decisions: “I would do the same things. I have always trusted my collaborators, even though some have betrayed that trust. It’s part of life, and it does not change who I am.”
Inter Milan president Giuseppe Marotta welcomed Gravina’s re-election, highlighting its importance in maintaining progress within Italian football. “Gravina’s re-election ensures continuity for the work that began years ago,” Marotta said. “I am optimistic about the future. There is much to be done, particularly in improving infrastructure—not just stadiums but also youth facilities.”
The assembly, held at the Rome Cavalieri Hotel, was attended by key figures such as FIFA president Gianni Infantino, UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin, and Dejan Savicevic, president of the Montenegro Football Federation. Discussions centred on Italy’s recovery following the Euro 2024 disappointment and its ambitions to improve infrastructure and youth development. With expectations running high among fans and officials, Gravina’s leadership will be critical as Italy works towards a successful qualification for the 2026 World Cup.
