In a significant leadership change, Emanuela Maccarani has been dismissed from her role as Technical Director of the Italian Gymnastics Federation (FGI) after more than 30 years of service. The decision was announced by the newly elected president, Andrea Facci, during a federal council meeting on 26 March 2025
Leadership Transition
Andrea Facci, at 40 years old, is the youngest president among Italian sports federations. He has taken on the role of interim Technical Director until a permanent appointment is made by 30 June 2025. Facci emphasized his intention to introduce a new organizational approach, moving away from a single-coach system to a collaborative staff model. He stated, “I want to personally implement a different approach to organization, not only in rhythmic gymnastics, by promoting a concept of teamwork, moving away from the idea of a single coach in command.”
The decision follows legal challenges faced by Maccarani, who has been accused of mistreatment by the Judge for Preliminary Investigations (GIP) in Monza. Three weeks before her dismissal, the GIP rejected a request for case dismissal and ordered compulsory indictment. Facci clarified that the choice to replace Maccarani was made independently of these legal issues, aiming instead to mark the end of a cycle and to bring a fresh perspective to the federation’s operations. He expressed gratitude for Maccarani’s contributions and optimism for the future.
Maccarani expressed surprise and distress upon learning of her dismissal through social media and an official letter, without prior verbal communication from President Facci. She described the situation as “truly dramatic” and indicated that, effective immediately, she would no longer be permitted to attend training sessions.
The newly appointed vice president, Fabrizia D’Ottavio, an Olympic silver medalist in rhythmic gymnastics from Athens 2004, acknowledged the longstanding issues within the rhythmic gymnastics sector. She emphasized the need to balance high-level performance with the psychological and physical well-being of athletes, stating that the current moment is opportune for initiating new dynamics focused on comprehensive athlete welfare.
This leadership change signifies a pivotal moment for the Italian Gymnastics Federation as it seeks to redefine its organizational structure and address internal challenges, aiming for a future that prioritizes both excellence and athlete well-being.
