Ezio Simonelli has distanced himself from the decision to withdraw Italian support for Gianni Infantino’s FIFA presidency candidacy, indicating he would have preferred more deliberation before the move was made.
With quotes via Calcio e Finanza, the Serie A League president spoke on the sidelines of the presentation of the Gran Gala del Calcio AIC, after the FIGC confirmed it was pulling its backing.
“Malago told me of this intention of his last night,” Simonelli said. “Personally I would have taken a bit more time over this decision. I take note, I’ll limit myself to saying that.”
Simonelli says Infantino call was ‘Malago’s decision’
Pressed on whether he had expected a collective process, the Lega chief was clear that the responsibility sat with one man. “Yes, as I was saying, it’s not a decision of the FIGC, it’s a decision of the federal president,” he said. “I was informed, but I don’t know whether the other components had been informed.”
The remark points to a wider question over consultation within Italian football’s governing structures, with Simonelli suggesting he cannot confirm whether other stakeholders were told in advance of an announcement with significant implications.
He also volunteered a personal note on his relationship with the FIFA president, which appeared calculated to underline where his own sympathies lie.
“Personally I believe I am a friend of Infantino,” Simonelli said. “He also did me the courtesy of coming to visit me. For the first time a FIFA president came to the Serie A League headquarters in Milan, and I’m grateful to him for that.”
