The president of the Italian Football Federation, the FIGC, Giancarlo Abete has revealed that he will be stepping down from his position.
He joins Italian national team coach Cesare Prandelli in resignation although he has urged Prandelli to reverse his decision and remain on.
Speaking at a press conference called after the side’s World Cup exit, Abete said: “I will convene a meeting at the Federation between Friday and Monday, on return, and I also hope that Prandelli reverses his decision.
“Beyond the result, which has embittered everyone, they have always given their best and gave everything possible in terms of the competitiveness of our football.
“I also told Albertini and Prandelli that I will be resigning from my position at the meeting, not because they should feel responsibility, but to encourage reflection on the future strategies of the Federation going forward.”
Abete maintains that this is no knee-jerk decision from himself and said that it was one that he was always going to deliver, regardless of the outcome in Brazil.
“I had already taken this decision before the World Cup, regardless of what the result was. I hope that the FIGC reject the resignation of Prandelli or that he will withdraw those feelings he expressed,” he added.
“Whoever takes over as new president will have my full support and I will be leaving with the bitterness of a fan but the happiness of having done everything possible and I leave for three reasons: personal reasons, professional reasons and reasons of sporting policy.”
