Paolo Maldini and Leonardo Resign from Italian FA Roles Amid Head Coach Controversy
Paolo Maldini and Leonardo have resigned from their Italian FA roles just weeks after joining, amid ongoing controversy surrounding the head coach position.
POLICY WIRE — Milan, Italy — Paolo Maldini has resigned from his position as technical director of the Italian Football Association (FIGC), just 16 days after accepting the role. Leonardo, who was brought in as Maldini’s adviser, has also stepped down.
The resignations come amid ongoing turmoil within the FIGC, particularly concerning the appointment of a new head coach. The association has been without a permanent head coach since Roberto Mancini’s departure earlier this year.
Maldini, a legendary figure in Italian football, was expected to bring stability — and expertise to the FIGC. His abrupt departure, however, suggests underlying issues that have yet to be publicly disclosed. Leonardo, formerly of AC Milan and Paris Saint-Germain, was similarly anticipated to provide valuable insights and guidance.
In a brief statement, the FIGC confirmed the resignations but didn’t provide further details or reasons for the departures. “Paolo Maldini — and Leonardo have decided to step down from their respective roles. We thank them for their contributions — and wish them well in their future endeavors,” the statement read.
The FIGC now faces the challenge of finding suitable replacements while navigating the complexities of the head coach situation. The association’s leadership will need to address these issues promptly to stabilize the organization and restore confidence among fans and stakeholders.
Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)
