Gabriele Gravina, the current president of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC), has announced his decision to run for re-election in an interview with La Nuova Sardegna. Gravina explained his motivations and addressed various aspects of his tenure and future plans.
On his decision to run again, Gravina stated, “The decision to run again was made in agreement with the components; in fact, they asked me to do so well in advance, showing great confidence in me and in the project. We have shared a journey of value and values that needs to be completed. I had told them that I was willing to do so as long as there was broad convergence on my name, and the formal nominations I received exceeded even my rosiest expectations.”
Addressing criticisms, Gravina said, “Serious and non-pretextual criticisms are a stimulus, but most of those received in recent months have been fueled by the mud of dossiers and lies, circulated artfully because one does not have the courage or strength to win a political challenge fairly. I overcame the moment of discouragement thanks to the almost total closeness of the football world, and the certainty of my correctness in both the private and public fields.”
Gravina highlighted his successes, including contributing to stabilizing the system devastated by the pandemic through extraordinary contributions and initiating a gradual plan for the economic-financial recovery of professional clubs. He also mentioned defending the Federation’s autonomy from various external interferences and the success at Euro 2021.
Regarding Italy’s failure to qualify for the World Cup, Gravina commented, “Certainly, yet sport always confronts us with new challenges, and we must know how to get up after every defeat. In the last four years, we have won a European Championship (which hadn’t happened since 1968) and triumphed several times with the youth national teams.”
Looking to the future, Gravina expressed optimism about the national team under Luciano Spalletti, saying, “We are working for this, the path undertaken by Coach Luciano Spalletti and all the boys since September gives us good hope. One of the youngest national teams in history has been set up; it needs a bit of experience, but it is certainly of value.”
On youth development, Gravina emphasized the need for a unified technical direction between Club Italia, the Technical Sector, and the Youth and School Sector, working in concert with clubs to offer the best indications and solutions for the development, sporting growth, and maturation of young players.
Regarding stadium infrastructure, Gravina revealed, “I strongly requested the government to recognize a percentage on betting (as already happens in other European countries) to create a fund that allows having the necessary equity for those who have the vision and intention to modernize their facility. In parallel, further legislative intervention to accelerate procedures is essential.”
