The FIGC is expected to be placed under a special commissioner, while a photo from the Italy-Belgium match offered a clear glimpse of the strained relationship among Giovanni Malagò, Andrea Abodi, and Luciano Buonfiglio.

Malagò’s spell as FIGC President may last less than four months, as multiple sources claim the Italian Football Federation will be placed under special administration.

Malagò was not a formal FIGC member when he was elected on June 22, so the vote that led to his appointment will be deemed invalid.

According to Corriere della Sera, CONI President Bonfiglio wants to convene the CONI board on October 7 to discuss the matter.

Bonfiglio’s idea is to put the FIGC under special administration and call for new elections, which must be held no earlier than 60 days, so they’d take place towards the end of 2026 or the start of 2027.

“You have to respect the rules that I don’t decide,” Bonfiglio said on Friday, when he attended the Italy-Belgium match alongside Malagò and Italy Sports Minister Andrea Abodi, who appears to back CONI’s decision to remove Malagò.

A picture of the three during the game has gone viral on social media, highlighting the palpable tension between them.

“You only had to look at their tense faces to sense how delicate the moment was,” wrote Corriere.