Dramatic End to a Short Tenure
Italian football is shaken by high-profile resignations. Legends Paolo Maldini and Leonardo have decided to step down as Technical Director and Advisor of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC). Their tenure lasted only 16 days, having started on July 11. The cause of this sudden departure was a sharp conflict with the federation's top leadership regarding the appointment of the new national team head coach.
According to Sky Sport, the main sticking point was the choice of coach for the "Azzurri." Officials planned to appoint Andrea Pirlo, but federation president Giovanni Malagò personally blocked this appointment. According to Maldini, the agreement to become Technical Director was one of his greatest mistakes.
Pirlo vs. Bookmakers
Andrea Pirlo was close to getting the job but was denied it due to ties with a Russian betting company. This fact was the reason the federation president refused the appointment. Earlier, the Office of the President of Ukraine commented on this refusal, calling such a decision the "price of cooperation with an aggressor."
According to Maldini, when forming the shortlist for the national team manager, the first choice was Pep Guardiola. Officials even managed to reach a preliminary agreement with the Spanish specialist. However, the federation stated that they had no funds for Guardiola's salary and were tasked with finding a cheaper alternative.
Only after this did Maldini and Leonardo agree to a contract with Andrea Pirlo, who was third on the preference list. But Giovanni Malagò's intervention wiped out all agreements.
"It's a sad day for Italian football"
After his dismissal, Paolo Maldini made a crushing statement against the leadership of Italian football. He accused the federation of unprofessionalism and predicted stagnation at a low level.
"We will remain at a low level as long as Malagò is president. That is the truth. Leonardo and I did everything possible, but believe me: we are already beyond saving," emphasized the legendary defender.
